SMU men shutout Missouri State
Published 10/4/2007 7:26:57 AM by staff from smu press
Senior midfielder Ben Shuleva scored his third goal in two games to lead the SMU men's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over visiting Missouri State Wednesday at Westcott Field. Junior forward Richard Oliva also scored for the Ponies, who improved to 5-2-2 with the victory. Missouri State slipped to 4-6-1.
SMU dominated every possible statistical category in the win. The Mustangs outshot the Bears, 27-1, including 13-0 shots on goal. The Mustangs also had six corner kicks to just one for the Bears. Missouri State played stingy defense early on, battling the Mustangs to a scoreless tie at halftime, despite being outshot at the intermission, 16-1. But Shuleva put the Mustangs ahead to stay in the 67th minute when he collected a pass from midfielder Scott Corbin, dribbled into the penalty box and blasted a shot from about 10 yards out.
Oliva added an insurance goal in the 83rd minute when he ran on to a loose ball, dribbled down the left side of the field and slid a shot inside the left post. Oliva's goal gives him four this season, tying 2006 All-America Bruno Guarda for the team lead. Shuleva, the defensive anchor at the back of the Mustangs' midfield now has three goals, tying sophomore forward Dane Saintus for second on the team goal-scoring list. Sophomore goalkeeper Craig Hill notched the shutout in the first start of his career.
SMU is currently ranked #9 in the Soccermogul Top 30. The Mustangs return to Westcott Field at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6 against Conference USA foe Central Florida. For ticket information and a complete schedule, log on to SMUMustangs.com.
Label: SMU mens soccer, missouri state soccer, ben shuleva, Richard Oliva
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