DALLAS, TEXAS – The American Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Championship went to overtime for the fifth consecutive year, and top-seeded SMU outlasted No. 2 seed UCF 2-1 Sunday afternoon at Westcott Field to claim the conference crown. It was the first American championship title for the Mustangs. SMU became the first team to win the championship and regular-season title in the same season.
SMU junior Emil Cuello scored the game-winning goal in the 96th minute to give the Mustangs the conference crown. Cuello, who earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player nod, scored two goals during the two-day event in Dallas.
The Mustangs led 11-3 in shot attempts after 90 minutes of play, while the two teams were tied in shots on goal with three apiece. SMU had a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks. The Knights were called for six fouls while the Mustangs were whistled for five.
SMU goalkeeper Michael Nelson made two saves, while Matt Rosenberg and Yannik Oettl combined for one save in the net for UCF.
SMU won the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship and will await their seeding for the Men’s College Cup. The NCAA Championship selection show is set for Monday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on www.ncaa.com.
All-Tournament Team
Louis Perez, M, UCF
Matias Pyysalo, M, UCF
Andreas Steineger, B, UCF
Yoni Sorokin, M, UCF
Abdou Mbacke Thiam, F, UConn
Jordan Cano, B, SMU
Bryce Clark, B, SMU
Emil Cuello, M, SMU
Nicky Hernandez, M, SMU
Michael Nelson, GK, SMU
Jared Rice, B, SMU
Most Outstanding Offensive Player
Emil Cuello, M, SMU
Most Outstanding Defensive Player
Jordan Cano, B, SMU
