Boxscore
Nelson Post Game

DALLAS (SMU) – The SMU women's soccer team fell to East Carolina 1-0 at Washburne Stadium on Thursday.

"We need to start games better," said Head Coach Nicole Nelson. "We created some chances as the game went on, but we need a consistent 90 minutes."

The Mustangs responded to East Carolina's 7^th minute goal with 7 shots and 5 earned corner kicks throughout the remainder of the first half.

SMU continued its aggression throughout the match, going on to outshoot the Pirates 17-4 and earn 11 corner kick opportunities on the night.

Five of SMU's 10 second-half shots came in a 12-minute stretch (59^th-71^st). The Mustangs sent three more towards the net in the closing four minutes of the match, including a shot on goal from Truth Byars that was cleared off the line.

"There is no question of our fight," said Head Coach Nicole Nelson. "We created some great opportunities throughout the match."

The Mustangs' backline, headed by 90-minute efforts from Abby Dermott, Mayu Inokawa and Peyton Annen helped SMU allow East Carolina to only three shots on goal. SMU has now allowed four or fewer shots on goal eight times this season.

Samantha Estrada tallied two saves in a 90-minute effort, upping her season save total to 49. Estrada entered Thursday's AAC contest with the conference's fourth highest saves-per-game average (4.27)

SMU has now held opponents to one or fewer goals in 25 of 32 matches played under Head Coach Nicole Nelson.

Three Mustangs – Mackenzie Rudden, Emma Alvord and Byars – recorded shots on goal for SMU.

SMU moves to 7-5-1 on the season and 3-3-1 in conference play, remaining in second place of the AAC's West Division. East Carolina, who sits atop the East Division, moves to 9-3-4 and 4-1-2 in the conference.

SMU is back on the Hilltop on Sunday for a senior-day home match against Charlotte. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and can be livestreamed on ESPN+.