The No. 3 ranked SMU men’s soccer team defeated the No. 20 St. Louis University Billikens 3-0 on Friday. It was SMU’s seventh shutout victory in ten games. The Mustangs were able to endure a one-hour, 28-minute reign and lightning delay to improve their record to 9-0-1.

The Mustangs capitalized on two mistakes by the St. Louis defense in the first half of the game. In the 26th minute the Billikens failed to clear the ball and Mustang senior Jay Needham put it into the back of the net for his second goal of the season.

Minutes later, St. Louis made the same mistake and sophomore Jeff Harwell made them pay with his first goal of the season. The half ended with the Mustangs leading 2-0 despite trailing the Billikens in shots, 7-4, and in corner kicks, 5-1.

Despite their 2-0 lead over St. Louis, the Mustangs were challenged the entire second half by the Billiken offense. SLU would have undoubtedly made the game closer if not for the spectacular play of SMU’s goalkeeper. Senior Matt Wideman stopped three of the Billikens’ shots on goal to preserve the shutout.

Mynor Gonzalez scored the final goal of the match to seal the victory in the 74th minute. He was assisted on the goal by Chase Wileman’s corner kick. Wileman got his team leading fifth assist on the kick.

The game was well supported by the St. Louis fans with an attendance of over 2,000 people. This raucous crowd contributed to the electric environment that resulted in spirited play by both teams. In the game there were a combined six yellow cards and 36 fouls. The Mustang’s ability to overcome all of the fouls and cards show they are undoubtedly one of the best teams in men’s collegiate soccer.

On Sunday the Mustangs traveled to Kansas City to face UMKC. The Mustangs defeated UMKC 2-1 on goals by Jordan Mann in the 10th minute and Mynor Gonzalez in the 78th minute. Scott Geppert was credited with the assist on Mann’s goal.

With the win, the Mustangs are now 10-0-1 and UMKC remains winless in nine tries. The Mustangs have only allowed three goals in 10 games. This great defense is a good sign for the Mustangs who look to keep up their winning ways in their first conference game on Friday.

September has been a tough month for the Mustangs. The team has played four ranked teams and most of the unranked teams have been worthy opponents.

A winning record in September would have been a great accomplishment for the Mustangs, but being undefeated is unbelievable to even the most optimistic of men’s soccer fans.This tough schedule will undoubtedly pay dividends when the Mustangs begin conference against Florida International University (4-3-2).