The Mustangs beat the Florida International Golden Panthers 2-1 in an overtime thriller Sunday night.
The match was the Mustangs third game in a row that had to be decided during extra time, and their fifth of the season. SMU is now 3-1-1 in games going over 90 minutes.
FIU put the first point up on the scoreboard in this match. In the 29th minute, freshman forward Quentin Albrecht went one-on-one with SMU goalie Jaime Ibarra and slid one underneath into the right corner. The goal was assisted by fellow freshman forward Roberto De Sousa.
The Mustangs evened the game at 1-1 in the 58th minute when Damian Rosales crossed the ball into the box to Juan Castillo, who headed it in for his fourth goal of the season. The rest of the half would go unanswered for both the Mustangs and Golden Panthers.
“It was a very difficult game all around. We were pretty banged up,” said Coach McClements.
Diogo de Almeida who scored off a rebounded shot from Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week Arthur Ivo only three minutes into the first overtime period.
Last week, in two games, Ivo recorded one goal and two assists to earn the conference honors. This season, Ivo leads the team with 18 points and also leads the team in goals with five and assists with eight.
“It’s always nice. It’s recognition for the work, but it’s not just me doing the work.” Ivo said.
SMU improved their all-time record against FIU to 15-3. The last time the two schools met was in the regular season finale of the 2010 season when the Mustangs pulled off another 2-1 win in overtime. However, the hero of that game was T.J. Nelson.
SMU’s season record is now 8-4-1 and 3-1-1 in Conference USA. FIU’s record is 4-6-3 and 1-3-1 in Conference USA. The Mustangs only have four more games before the Conference USA tournament, which is being hosted by the University of Tulsa November 9th-13th. SMU is currently tied for second place in the conference with Marshall and both trail South Carolina by two points.
The Mustangs face non-conference opponent Missouri State Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at Westcott Field.
