After the 2016 season, SMU men's soccer team vowed to not let that season's results repeat themselves. The team entered the 2017 season with something to prove and a desire to reestablish their form for the 2015 season. That started immediately in the offseason working towards getting back to the standard of SMU soccer. 

"We re-established the foundation and principles of what we do last December after the season," head coach Kevin Hudson said. "The guys worked really hard in the spring to be ready for the opportunity."

This year's team has experience and talent in all the right places, and they know what it takes to be successful. Seniors like Mauro Cichero in midfield, Michael Nelson in goal, Jordan Cano at center back, Jared Rice at wing back, and Bryce Clark at wing back give the team an extremely strong, experienced core that all played large roles in 2015's NCAA Round of 16 appearance. 

"Whenever you have key players down the spine of your team, it tends to be better," Hudson said. "Having a lot of older players on your team, things tend to go a lot smoother. Our guys have been through the challenges of a season and know the ups and downs and what it takes to win." 

For all of that core, this is their last go-round as a part of SMU soccer. Their work to rebound from last season began immediately when the season ended. By the time this year's season arrived, the players arrived ready to go with a strong bond formed from working together this summer. 

"Last year, things didn't go as we planned," Cichero said. "We're more together as a family this year. We've put in the work. We were here this summer putting in two-a-days. It makes a big difference when you're together for that long."

Through five games, that extra work and focus has appeared to give the desired result. The team has grabbed four wins with the only loss coming in a tight match at No. 1 Stanford. The Mustangs grabbed an early lead, and the difference in the game turned out to be two penalty kicks awarded to Stanford. 

While winning is always the goal, Stanford has won back-to-back national championships and is the measuring stick of sorts for college soccer. SMU proved with their performance in Palo Alto that they can hang with any team they face. 

"I feel like we have a team that can compete with anyone in the country," Hudson said. "There wouldn't be a team that we play where I wouldn't think we have a chance to win. I like where we're at as a team, and I'll take our chances against anybody."

In the other four matches of the season to this point, the Mustangs have shown the laser-focus that had to be a goal for this season. They've won the matches by an aggregate score of 9-3. 

"This year, we're not taking any opponent for granted because anyone can knock you off," Nelson said. "Soccer is a game of one goal or one bounce here or there. You have to do all the little things right. Our attention to detail is much higher this year."

SMU will look to continue their strong, focused form this weekend at home, hosting Loyola (MD) on Friday, September 15 at 7 p.m., and Brown on Sunday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m. 

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