TULSA, Okla. (SMU) - The 24th-ranked SMU men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 American Athletic Conference decision to Tulsa on Wednesday evening at the Hurricane Soccer and Track Stadium. The win improved Tulsa's record to 8-5-1 and 4-2 in league play, while the Mustangs fell to 8-4-2 and 3-1-2 in conference action.

Tulsa's goal came in the 21st minute as Quinn Starker found himself with the ball at his feet inside the six-yard box after a shot from Austin Neal hit the far post and ricocheted back into play. Starker played the one-time ball into the net for his first tally of the season.

SMU had a pair of dangerous chances in the waning seconds of the first half as freshman Colten Habecker sent a ball in for redshirt-senior Damian Rosales. Rosales collected the ball and entered the 18-yard box, but his attempt to beat Tulsa keeper Jake McGuire on the near post was deflected out for a Mustang corner. After the quick reset SMU had one final chance, but couldn't find the equalizer before the break.

Freshman Jared Rice had perhaps the best chance for SMU in the second half as he sent a ball in from about 40-yards out that was initially confused for a cross and caught the TU keeper off his mark. McGuire was able to make the save, however, to preserve the lead.

Redshirt-freshman Michael Nelson finished with a season-high eight saves.

Offensively, SMU was led by Rosales and freshman Mauro Cichero, who combined for five shots

The Mustangs are back in action on Saturday as they continue their road swing at Connecticut. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT. Check SMUMustangs.com for live stats and video.

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