SMU defender Ryan Mirsky tries to stop George Mason forward Irvin Martinez in a 3-0 win Sept. 12 at the Prego’s Express Italian Men’s Soccer Invitational at Westcott Field. (Casey Lee)
This weekend, the SMU men’s soccer team will take their 5-0-1 record and travel to Tulsa, Okla., to compete in the Tulsa Tournament. Joining the Mustangs in Tulsa will be the University of Tulsa, Hofstra, and Northern Illinois.
The Mustangs start with a game Friday at 5 p.m. against Northern Illinois. The Huskies come into this weekend with a 4-0-2 record. They prove to be a tough opponent, as they lead the MAC in every offensive category, including goals and points.
The pride of Northern Illinois is its defense, as it has allowed less than half a goal per game this season. At 11:30 a.m. Sunday, the Mustangs take the field against Hofstra. The Pride come into the tournament with a 1-3-1 record. Though they have not yet had success, the Pride have played a tough non-conference schedule that included No. 13 Virginia Tech-their only win of the season-and the University of Virginia.
The Pride are led by freshman star Brett Carrington, who has three goals and an assist in just five games. Carrington has also received the Colonial Athletic Association Co-Player of the Week award, CAA Freshman of the Week award and a spot on the topdrawersoccer.com national team of the week.
The Mustangs come into this weekend with the reigning National Player of the Week and the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week- Paulo da Silva.
da Silva recorded two goals last weekend in the Prego’s Express Italian tournament and led the Mustangs to the tournament victory. For his effort, da Silva received Tournament MVP honors.
The victory, along with the rest of the Mustangs tough schedule, has vaulted SMU up the rankings. This week, the Mustangs are the No. 2 team in the country, according the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, collegesoccernews.com and Soccer America magazine.
With the new ranking comes more responsibility. Head coach Tim McClements admitted as much himself, “We talked about it, guys talk about conference, winning a national championship, being ranked No. 1, and it all come with responsibility and challenges.”
McClements went on to say that this is not the most important thing. “It’s a great honor, but we would much rather make a big run in the tournament. The fact we are ranked No. 2 is not as big of a deal. The fact that we are prepared every game matters.”
Despite the pressure that comes with the ranking, McClements knows the team can cope. “We have players that have been there and have had to handle it, its nothing new to them, and they are helping the younger players who have not been through it.”
After the Tulsa tournament, the Mustangs return home to open their Conference USA schedule September 27 against Tulsa.
