DALLAS (SMU) – The SMU men’s soccer team scored a pair of first half goals to earn a 2-0 Senior Night victory over American Athletic Conference opponent Cincinnati on Saturday evening at Westcott Field. The Mustangs’ 4-2-2 conference record makes them the No. 3 seed for the conference tournament. Cincinnati finishes the season at 2-5-1 in American play and will be the No. 7 seed.

“It’s our home field so you want to always get a win at Westcott and protect your home territory so we went right after Cincinnati right from the first whistle and tried to get on top of them early,” Head Coach Tim McClements said. “We were very fortunate to score two goals in the first half. Things got a little rough toward the end, unfortunately, but we were able to hold on and get the victory so that’s what’s important.”

SMU’s (9-5-2) goals came from senior Damian Rosales and junior Idrissa Camara less than 10 minutes apart. Camara connected on a cross from Jared Rice in the 29th minute for his team-leading seventh goal this season. The assist was also Rice’s seventh and he paces the team.

“I think it’s very rare for someone who steps in and puts that quality of service in game in and game out and he’s [Rice] done it,” McClements said. “We’re very proud of him for his contributions offensively on our team, from a left back that’s impressive.”

Rosales struck in the 37th minute for his fourth marker of the season off a Bryce Clark throw that was flicked on by Colten Habecker for the score.

The Mustangs outshot Cincinnati (5-9-3) 11-6 in the contest, including a 5-3 edge in shots on goal which foreced SMU goalkeeper Michael Nelson to only make three saves.

SMU finished the regular season 8-1-1 on the Hilltop, which included a 3-0-1 conference mark.  Seniors Rosales, Andrew Morales, Edu Aranda and Will Smith were honored prior to their last match at home.

“We’re very confident [heading into the conference tournament], we’ve just got to take it one game at a time,” McClements said. “We will start preparing for it right away.”

The Mustangs will host the No. 6 seed, UCF, in the quarterfinals of The American tournament on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. CT. Live stats and video will be available on SMUMustangs.com. SMU tied the Knights, 1-1, on Oct. 4 in Orlando.