SMU Wins Conference USA Championship

The 13th ranked Kentucky soccer team ran into a buzzsaw on Sunday afternoon in the form of 2nd ranked SMU and dropped a 2-0 decision in the Conference USA Tournament championship match. The Wildcats fought valiantly, but couldn’t overcome a polished effort by the Mustangs. The game was relatively even through most of the first half, but SMU broke through with a back-breaking goal in the 42nd minute that gave it all the momentum heading into the second half.

On the play, goalkeeper Matt Troop came off his line to punch out a cross, but it went to Tournament MVP Bruno Guarda on the right side of the box. He took a touch and played to Chase Wileman at the corner of the 18. From there, he moved slightly left before chipping into the side netting inside the far post. The floater made just over the outstretched hands of a leaping Troop.

Kentucky pressed forward much more in the second half and it burned them on a counter in the 64th minute. Wileman dribbled into the attacking third and passed into space for Mynor Gonzalez near the end line. His cross found the foot of a streaking Adrian Chevannes at the six where he beat Troop for a 2-0 lead.

Despite pressing, Kentucky couldn't solve the SMU back four until there were two minutes left. Off a free kick from 30 yards out dead center, Masumi Turnbull flicked a header on goal that keeper Matt Wideman bobbled. Riley O'Neill was there to bury the rebound. However, the linesman raise his flag and the ref whistled O'Neill offside, negating the goal.

The Mustangs improve to 17-1-4 with the win, while Kentucky ends its regular season at 14-5-2. The teams will now await the NCAA selections that will be announced on Monday.