DALLAS (SMU) – Sophomore Garrett McLaughlin scored the game-winning goal and recorded an assist, as the SMU men's soccer team beat Oakland, 2-1, Friday night at Westcott Field.

With the win, SMU improved to 2-0 on the young season, while Oakland fell to 1-2.

Christian Boorom opened scoring in the 10th minute of play to give SMU an early 1-0 lead. Bryce Clark started the scoring play by launching a 40 yard throw-in to the far side of the six yard box, where McLaughlin got above two Oakland defenders and flicked the throw on with his head. At the top of the six yard box, Boorom escaped Oakland defenders and sent a hanging header into the top, far corner of the net. The goal was Boorom's first of the season, seventh of his career. 

McLaughlin netted the eventual game-winner in the 64th minute, volleying a cross from Eddie Munjoma. Uncontested, Munjoma carried the ball 10 yards along the far sideline, before sending a cross into the box. In traffic, McLaughlin fired a bouncing ball through a pair of Golden Grizzly defenders and into the net to give SMU a 2-0 advantage. McLaughlin, the 2016 American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year, now has five career goals, one on the season.

Oakland broke up the SMU shutout opportunity in the 87th minute, as Nebojsa Popovic managed a left-footed goal from the top of the 18 yard box.

Eight different Mustangs recorded shots, as SMU doubled up Oakland in shots, 12-6. Mauro Cichero led team with three attempts, while McLaughlin and Nicky Hernandez each tallied two. McLaughlin fired two of SMU's four shots on goal, while Boorom and Hernandez each put one on frame.

The Mustangs return to the pitch Sunday at 7 p.m., as SMU hosts Cornell in the final match of the SMU Tournament. All matches are free of admission and can be seen on PonyUp TV.

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