For the second year in a row, the SMU men’s soccer team was eliminated in the second round of the NCAA playoffs. The Mustangs lost by a final score of 3-0 to the Creighton University Bluejays.
The Mustangs have historically played Creighton well, but were overpowered in a high-energy game that featured a number of fouls called and cards handed out.
Creighton received three yellow cards throughout the game and SMU received two cards. In the 26th minute of action, senior midfielder Ben Shuleva was sent off with a red card. The ejection left the Mustangs with only 10 men on the field and ineffective on both sides of the ball.
The first goal of the game, however, came before any of the cards were handed out. In only the sixth minute, Creighton’s Tim Bohnenkamp broke through and blasted the ball past goalkeeper Steve Sandbo from nine yards out. Tony Schmitz was credited with the assist on the play.
Once the Mustangs were forced to play a man down, the Bluejays scored their second goal of the night in the 37th minute. Andrei Gotsmanov struck a floating ball that sailed over Sandbo’s head. The shot was taken from around 30 yards away and was set up by Jeff Thayer.
The Mustangs ended the half down by two goals and a player. In spite of these circumstances, SMU came out of halftime running and desperately trying to make up its two-goal deficit.
They took eight shots in the first 20 minutes of play but were unable to convert on any of these shots. Most of the shots came from long distance and were not true scoring chances.
As the game was winding to a close, Creighton added another goal in the 87th minute that sealed their victory. Mo Travis put back a rebound off the post for the third and final goal of the game.
The season ending loss will be the last game for seniors Ben Shuleva, Scott Corbin, Adrian Chevannes and Steve Sandbo in an SMU uniform.
The Mustangs had another outstanding regulars season, finishing in the top five of national polls. However, just as last year, they could not crack the round of 32 teams in the NCAA Tournament.
