No. 16 SMU has opened American Athletic Conference play with a 2-1 win over (RV) Memphis, handing the Tigers their first loss of the season.

In the 38th minute, Top Drawer Preseason All-American Mads Westergren headed the ball into the back of the net off of a corner kick taken by forward Bailey Sparks. By halftime, the Mustangs (6-1) were already outshooting the Tigers by 12-1 on the way to handing Memphis its first loss of the season.

The American Preseason Defensive Player of the Year had already tallied one assist on the season en route to the third goal of his collegiate career.

The second half saw another goal from the Mustangs, this time unassisted from Alex Salvo — the first of his career — in the 63rd minute.
SMU improved to 6-0 at Washburne Stadium this season and 14-1-1 at home since the start of last season. This is the best home start for the Mustangs since 2019 when they started 6-0.

Cole Johnson, a senior, started and played the full time in goal. The reigning College Soccer News National Team Member of the Week recorded four saves against Memphis (4-1-2) — in his fourth straight win, along with a team save from sophomore Fredrik Skilberg.

The only thing to slip past Johnson's line was a goal from Memphis's Lineker Rodrigues dos Santos in the 89th minute.

SMU's Hermann Trophy Watch List member Jelldrik Dallmann also recorded five shots on the evening, two of which were on target.
 

Friday, September 15, 2023 Men's Soccer

Away	Home	Location	Links
Memphis 1	SMU 2	Dallas, Texas (Conf.)	Box Score

Six of the remaining nine American men's soccer teams will be in conference action on Saturday, September 16, while South Florida will play Elon on Sunday. Temple will travel to FIU for a 7 p.m. ET start time, while Tulsa travels to Florida Atlantic and UAB will host Charlotte at 8 p.m. ET.  The full schedue can be found here.