Men's Soccer Beats Bradley 2-0 In Home Opener

[PonyPride]

Men's Soccer Beats Bradley 2-0 In Home Opener
da Silva, Pfluger score for SMU

Sept. 18, 2009


DALLAS (SMU) - SMU (3-2-0) rode two early goals, and a stellar performance by goalkeeper Craig Hill, to a 2-0 victory over the Bradley Braves (4-1-1) in the Prego's Express Italian Invitational. Paulo da Silva and Brandon Pfluger scored for the Mustangs.

SMU jumped out to a lead in 2nd minute when Paulo da Silva scored his third goal of the season off of a Kekoa Osorio free kick to give the Mustangs the early advantage. In the fifth minute, Payton Hickey served a corner kick that Brandon Pfluger headed in for his first career goal, and Hickey's fourth assist of the season.

The two goals would be all that would be necessary for the Mustangs. Craig Hill posted his second shutout of the season, and posted four saves, as the SMU defense held on to win.

"We're really happy with our play in the first half," said SMU Head Coach Tim McClements. "We won the game, which is the most important thing, and we didn't give up a goal, which is important, and we played good soccer, which is what we concentrate on."

SMU returns to Westcott Field on Sunday at 3:30 to conclude the Prego's Express Italian Classic against Cal State Northridge.

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 1:31 SMU da Silva, Paulo (3) (Osorio, Kekoa)
2. 4:08 SMU Pfluger, Brandon (1) (Hickey, Payton)

[mustangbill67]

Believe this was Bradley's first lost. Nice win. Does anyone know if Leone Cruz is injured? As I recall he played the first 25 minutes of the game against Akron and has not played since.

[ClassOf81]

Craig Hill was nothing short of brilliant last night. He came off his line well to take on offensive players and was strong picking off crosses from the corners, and his diving save on a shot that was nearly point-blank range was highlight-reel quality - shades of Hank Haney, Matt Frederick, John Howard, Tom Presthus, Byron Foss ... we've had some damn good keepers at SMU.

Shutting out Bradley is no small feat. They're on the edge of the national rankings this week (No. 26, I think), and hadn't lost yet this season.

Good job, Mustangs.

[Charleston Pony]

much needed win and a good one at that. Gotta be tough at home this year