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Oct. 21, 2007
DALLAS (SMU) - Juniors Bruno Guarda and Scott Geppert scored goals, and the defense allowed just two shots on goal as the SMU men's soccer team blanked Florida International, 2-0, at Westcott Field.
The Mustangs, ranked No. 6 in the nation in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas poll, improved to 9-2-2 on the year and 4-0-1 in Conference USA games; FIU slipped to 2-9-2 overall and 2-3-0 in C-USA games. They also got their fourth shutout of the year from senior goalkeeper Steve Sandbo. Strong winds limited the scoring opportunities for both teams, but the Ponies outshot the Golden Panthers, 17-8.
Guarda got what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 20th minute when he pestered FIU goalkeeper Kyle Thomas, whose clearing attempt hit Guarda in the chest. The ball bounced straight up in front of Guarda, who calmly flicked a six-yard shot over Thomas into the empty net.
The Mustangs dominated play for the rest of the game, getting the insurance goal in the final minute. Sophomore forward Dane Saintus shed two defenders and dribbled into the FIU defense before feeding Geppert, who chipped a soft floater over the FIU goalkeeper into the net.
The Mustangs, who have won five straight games and are undefeated in their last eight contests, will try to strengthen their grip on the Conference USA lead when take on South Carolina at 7 p.m. (Central Time) in a game that will be broadcast on the Fox Soccer Channel before returning home to face Memphis at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27. For a complete schedule and ticket information, log on to SMUMustangs.com.
