Sooners Battle, Fall at No. 24 SMU

Sunday, September 19

Dallas, Texas

7 PM

University of Oklahoma

4-5-1, 0-0-0

SMU

6-1-0, 0-0-0

Oklahoma

SMU

September 19, 2021 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score: SMU 1, OU 0

DALLAS, Texas — The University of Oklahoma soccer team dropped a hard-fought match at No. 24 SMU, 1-0, Sunday night in Dallas.

The Sooners (4-5-1) were dominant on the stat sheet, outshooting the Mustangs 14-2 on the night but couldn't find the back of the net as SMU (6-1-0) scored the go-ahead goal in the 59th minute.

"For anyone watching that game, we were completely the dominant team in all statistical categories," said OU head coach Mark Carr. "In terms of creating chances and being on the front foot, there was only one team that was in that game. But at the end of the day, you have to take those chances and score goals and we didn't do that.

"It's a lesson to learn. You have to take your chances and that game could've been out of sight in the first half but instead we make one mistake and get punished for it. That's the game of soccer. We have to learn from this and have to finish when we get opportunities. It was a complete performance tonight in terms of the game plan, I can't fault our team, we just have to put the ball in the back of the net."

The Sooners put four of their 14 looks on goal, led by senior Bri Amos' four shots (2 SOG). Amos converted her first look of the evening in the 17th minute following a steal and would-be assist from freshman Keera Melenhorst but the Sooners were called for a close offside call that negated Amos' goal.

Freshman Ella Pappas provided a spark off the bench for OU, taking three shots and putting one on goal in the 26th minute off her left foot that sailed just high.

After senior keeper Nikki Panas couldn't quite clear an SMU chance from the box in the 59th minute, the Mustangs Wayne Balata chipped one over the head of Panas and found the back of the net.

Panas nearly tied the match in the 88th minute, putting a deep shot on goal on a free kick that had to be punched out by the SMU keeper.

Oklahoma also held the advantage in corner kicks on the night, taking five to SMU's one.

After a non conference slate that saw the Sooners hang tough against a number of ranked teams and go 3-1-1 at home, the team will move on to Big 12 conference play beginning Thursday at Texas Tech. The match is set for a 7 p.m. first touch in Lubbock and can be seen via subscription on ESPN+.

For updates and more information on Oklahoma Soccer, follow the Sooners on Twitter and Instagram (@OU_WSoccer) and like Oklahoma Soccer on Facebook.