Aggies Defeat SMU in Season Opener

By Austin Wall

Steven Bouchard

Dallas, TX -- The Aggies headed into their season opener looking to make a statement against a conference opponent, the SMU Mustangs.

A&M controlled the ball for much of the first half and jumped out to an early 4-0 lead. The Aggies were able to hold the Mustangs to 2 goals in the first 30 minutes of play due to a stingy defense anchored by senior Joseph Saladino. The teams headed into halftime at 10-2.

The second half began with the Mustangs determined to fight back into the game. SMU seemed to find their offensive rhythm and were able to maintain lengthy possessions by pressuring A&M clearing attempts and forcing turnovers.

The Mustangs were able to reduce the Aggie lead to only 5 goals in the third. However, A&M made the necessary adjustments and seized the game, pulling away from the Mustangs with a 7 goal fourth quarter. When the final whistle blew the scoreboard read 20-8, giving the Aggies a win in their season opener for the 5th consecutive season.

Aggie scoring standouts include sophomore Steven Bouchard with 5 goals 3 assists, and senior attack William James with 4 goals 1 assist. Another notable was freshmen midfielder Daniel Curl who tallied 3 goals and 2 assists in his first collegiate game.