SMU’s Bruno Guarda keeps his eye on the ball against UCF. (Stuart Palley)

The 10th ranked SMU men’s soccer team improved to (7-2-2, 2-0-1) after shutting out the Marshall Thundering Herd. The game ended with a score of 3-0 and dropped the Thundering Herd to (7-4-1, 1-1-0).

The Mustangs averaged three goals per game over their last six games. Consequently, the Mustangs are undefeated during this crucial stretch that has seen the start of conference play.

Junior forward Scott Geppert opened up the game in the 23rd minute when he scored his second goal of the season. His shot went in the left side of the net on a pass from sophomore forward Dane Saintus. It is Saintus’ fifth assist of the year.

Adrian Chevannes started the game as a forward after starting the majority of the year on the back line. The versatile senior scored his first goal of the season in the 37th minute to give SMU a 2-0 lead going into halftime. On the goal, he dribbled up the center of the field by himself and put it into the left corner of the net.

The second half saw no scoring and slow action until SMU junior defender Ryan Mirsky beat the keeper on a free kick in the 85th minute. His third goal of the season soared past the goalkeeper into the upper left-hand corner of the goal. He scored his last goal on a similar free kick.

The Mustangs were even with the Thundering Herd in most of the statistical categories. The only large discrepancy appeared in yellow cards received. Marshall received three, while the referee did not book the Mustangs last Saturday night.

Amid injuries that have plagued the Mustangs, their offensive production has soared in recent games. The teams over the past six games have not been as strong as previous opponents like Virginia, UC-Santa Barbara or St. Louis University. However, Tulsa was ranked in the Top 25, and the majority of the teams during that stretch played physical brands of soccer. The Mustangs historically struggle against strong, physical teams.

The offensive surge cannot be attributed to any one player. The entire team stepped up to replace key players like Paulo da Silva and Leone Cruz. Bench players are filling in well by playing more minutes, and starters have improved their offensive production as well.

The Mustangs put their three-game-winning streak to the test Wednesday when they host the UAB Blazers. The game will take place at Westcott Field at 7 p.m.