FINAL BOX

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU fell to conference rival UCF, 2-0, at Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium on Saturday night.

"We had a decent amount of the ball, but didn't create enough chances. We're disappointed and there's some things we need to clean up," head coach Kevin Hudson said. "We're now 3-2 and there's a lot still to play for ... There are things we need to tweak, but hopefully we can regain our footing heading into next week."

The Mustangs (3-2-0, 3-2-0 AAC) found opportunities with eight shots on goal against the Knights (3-3-0, 3-3-0 AAC), but weren't able to put any past UCF's two-time conference goalkeeper of the year, Yannik Oettl.

UCF struck early, scoring in the 11^th minute when Hattbiou Barry knocked the ball into the top of the net. Gabriel Costa had the first chance of the game for the Mustangs off a set piece in the 22^nd minute. His shot went just wide of the goal.

Costa and Noah Hilt both took shots from near the top of the box off two more set piece chances during the first 45 minutes. Hilt's shot on goal was the third of the half for SMU.

The Knights added to their lead in the 64^th minute after a foul on Cole Johnson awarded them a penalty kick. Yoni Sorokin converted the chance to give UCF a 2-0 lead.

Knut Ahlander, who had two shots on goal during the match, gave the Mustangs their best chance in the second half with a shot that went just over the keeper's head, but was blocked by a UCF defender.

Johnson made his first collegiate start and recorded two saves in his 90 minutes in goal.

SMU is back on Saturday, March 20 to take on USF at Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium. The match will start at 7 p.m. CT and will be streamed on ESPN+.