CARY, N.C. – No. 25 SMU men’s soccer defeated syracuse 5-1 Wednesday night, securing a spot in the ACC Championship final for the first time in program history. The Mustangs’ dominant performance showcased a diverse offensive attack, with five different players finding the back of the net.
SMU’s victory marks a meaningful milestone for the program, propelling them to the championship game against top-seeded Virginia. This appearance in the ACC final underscores the team’s growth and competitiveness within the conference, and offers a chance to claim the ACC title. The Mustangs will face a familiar opponent in Virginia, having recently lost to them 1-0 in their regular-season finale on October 31st.
The scoring began in the 27th minute when Ryan Clanton-Pimentel netted his first goal for SMU, assisted by Alex Salvo. Just over ten minutes later, in the 38th minute, Euan Bennett extended the lead with a goal assisted by Slade Starnes. SMU continued its offensive pressure into the second half.
In the 53rd minute,Bruno Brunet scored off a well-placed cross from Stephan Soghomonian and a headed assist from Starnes. Soghomonian then added a goal of his own in the 60th minute, a one-time volley off another cross from Clanton-Pimentel, marking his 12th goal of the season. Landon Hickam capped off SMU’s scoring in the 83rd minute, scoring his second goal of the season from the bench, assisted again by Clanton-Pimentel.
Syracuse managed a late goal from the penalty spot in the 85th minute, but SMU maintained a cozy four-goal lead through the final whistle.
Ryan Clanton-Pimentel recorded a career night with one goal and two assists, while Alex Salvo and Slade starnes each tallied their first assists of the season. Stephan Soghomonian has now scored in three consecutive matches.
SMU will face no. 1 seed Virginia in the ACC Championship final on Sunday at 12 pm CT in Cary, N.C.
