No. 3 SMU hosts Incarnate Word Monday night at Washburne Stadium, looking to sharpen its attack before opening ACC play later this week.
DALLAS - No. 3 SMU men’s soccer gets one final nonconference test Monday night before the schedule gets significantly tougher.
The Mustangs host Incarnate Word at 7 p.m. CT at Washburne Stadium, carrying a 4-0-1 record into their last match before opening ACC play. SMU has been one of the hottest teams in the country through five games, climbing from No. 15 in the preseason poll to No. 3 nationally.
The numbers explain the jump.
SMU has scored 16 goals while allowing just two, good for a plus-14 goal differential that’s tied for the best mark in the nation. The Mustangs also lead the ACC in goals, assists and points per game while posting a league-best 0.40 goals-against average.
That balance has made SMU difficult to handle at both ends.
Jaylinn Mitchell has been one of the biggest difference-makers. The senior wingback leads the ACC with five assists and has already produced six goal contributions in five matches. He also earned ACC Defensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 1.
Mukisa Emmanuel has provided another major threat, scoring four goals and ranking among the ACC leaders in that category.
SMU will be looking to regain some attacking rhythm after Friday’s 1-1 draw with Kansas City. The Mustangs broke through late when Stephan Soghomonian scored in the 86th minute off an Alex Salvo assist, but Kansas City equalized in the 90th.
Soghomonian’s goal was his second of the season and 16th of his SMU career.
Monday also offers a chance at payback.
SMU owns a 6-1 all-time record against Incarnate Word and has outscored the Cardinals 15-3 across seven meetings, but UIW delivered its only win in the series last season with a 2-1 result.
The Cardinals enter Monday 1-2-1 after beating Our Lady of the Lake 3-1.
For SMU, this is less about protecting a ranking and more about preparing for what comes next. The Mustangs open ACC play Friday at Pittsburgh, and the level of competition will rise quickly from there.
A clean performance against UIW would send them into conference play with exactly the momentum they want.
