The SMU men’s soccer team will look to advance past the second round this year. Last year the team lost in the second round to eventual National Champions UCSB. (Nick McCarthy)
The No. 5 SMU men’s soccer team (14-4-2) will face off against former Missouri Valley Conference rival No. 7 Creighton (11-2-5). After beating Gonzaga at home, the Mustangs will travel to Omaha, Neb., to face a well-rested Creighton squad.
Creighton had a first-round bye after receiving the eighth seed in the tournament. Overall, SMU has an all-time record of 16-5-1 and won the last matchup between the two teams in 2005. No other NCAA team has beaten Creighton more than SMU.
Last time out, the Mustangs beat the Gonzaga Bulldogs on a penalty kick by SMU tri-captain Bruno Guarda. Guarda won the Conference USA Player of the Year honor and will pose a constant scoring threat against the Bluejays.
Offensively the Mustangs have had many scoring opportunities, but have not scored as many goals as they may have wanted. Last game, SMU head coach Schellas Hyndman thought it was “a little interesting that it took a PK to score our goal,” considering the Mustangs had 15 shots on goal.
Even though its scoring opportunities have not always materialized, SMU has been strong defensively for the entire season. After early season shakeups because of injuries, the Mustangs have settled in defensively.
Over their past six games, senior goalkeeper Steve Sandbo and the defensive unit have shut out the opposition four times. Sandbo stopped Gonzaga last Saturday night in a game where conditions were less than ideal.
Usually when the Mustangs shut out the opposition, the midfield controls the tempo and the defense prevents many shots from reaching the goal.
Creighton has also been strong defensively this year. Goalkeeper Matt Allen has allowed only 16 goals in 18 games and brings years of experience into the 2007 playoffs. Allen owns Creighton’s shutout record with 25 over his career.
SMU can expect another game with harsh weather conditions. The temperature is forecasted to drop below freezing with moderately strong winds.
The game is scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m. and will take place at Creighton’s Morrison Stadium.
