Box Score (PDF) | Season Stats (PDF)

Oct. 7, 2017

PHILADELPHIA (SMU) – Mauro Cichero header in the 80th minute proved to be the game-winner as the No. 25 SMU men's soccer team defeated Temple, 2-1, Saturday night at the Temple Sports Complex.

The MAC Hermann Trophy candidate registered his sixth goal of the season off a cross from the left wing from Emil Cuello, who was credited with the assist. Cichero now has 21 career goals, including nine game-winners. The Norman, Oklahoma, native is tied with teammate Garrett McLaughlin for the team lead in goals.



The Mustangs improved to 8-2 overall and 2-1 in the American Athletic Conference, while Temple fell to 5-6-1 and 1-2-0 in conference play.

SMU jumped out to an early lead after Jared Rice drilled a shot from 30-yards out in the 21st minute. It was his first goal of the season and his second career goal. He was the ninth Mustang to score this season.
In the 49th minute, Temple responded with the equalizer as Divin Fula Luzolo hit the back of the net 25 yards out from the right wing.

Six Mustangs recorded shots with McLaughlin leading the way with four, followed by Cichero with three. Both McLaughlin and Cichero each had two shots on goal. SMU had a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal. For the 10th consecutive match, goalkeeper Michael Nelson played the entire 90 minutes. Nelson recorded three saves to give him 27 on the season.

SMU returns to the Hilltop to begin its three-match homestand against Northeastern Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.

Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Mustangs by following the SMU Men's Soccer Team on Twitter at @SMUSoccerM, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SMUSoccerM, and on Instagram at Instagram.com/SMU_MSOC. Follow SMU Athletics on Twitter at @SMUMustangs or Instagram at SMU.Mustangs.