Box Score (PDF)
DALLAS – The men's soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision against Southern Methodist on Sunday at Westcott Field.
The Mustangs (3-0), who received votes in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll, used a productive second half to pull away from the Big Red (0-1-1) and secure its third win of the season.
"We played what I feel is a very good team," said head coach John Smith. "Extremely technical. Good on the ball. They do a great job of making the field big when they're in possession so it makes it hard to defend. We played against a top team tonight. You couldn't ask more for a young team to have that opportunity."
After securing a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime after a goal by Mauro Cichero in the 23rd minute, SMU came out blazing in the second half, recording two goals within a span of about two and a half minutes.
Garrett McLaughlin netted the second goal for the Mustangs after receiving a 45-yard cross into the box, with which he banged into the net from about six yards out.
Garrett Welch secured the final goal for SMU after punching in a header from two yards out.
SMU held the advantage in shots with 13, while Cornell recorded nine. The Big Red also registered four corner kicks, all of which were earned in the second half, while the Mustangs had five.
George Pedlow and Tyler Bagley led the offensive efforts for the team, registering two shots apiece.
After checking in for Ryan Shellow in the middle of the second half, goalkeeper Mitchell Meyer collected one save on the night.
Despite leaving Dallas without a win after drawing with Incarnate Word on Friday, Smith is pleased with what he has seen from the team during their first two games of the season.
"There were four or five guys who played this weekend who played beyond their years," Smith said. "It's great to go home. We leave here as a stronger group. I would have liked to have won a game here but we tried hard. We played against an extremely talented opponent tonight. There are a ton of positives and things we need to work on."
Tommy Hansan and Richie Hrncir were acknowledged for their efforts over the weekend by being selected to the SMU All-Tournament Team. The two freshmen started both games with Hrncir playing all 200 minutes and recording one shot while Hansan played 147 minutes and logged two shots.
Cornell returns to Ithaca for its home opener against Lehigh at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8 at Berman Field.
"We want to get people to come and watch the games," said Smith. "There is a huge difference from last year and it's exciting. It's a lot more fun for the guys to play in a stadium with people there watching and supporting the team."
