LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — Louisville dominated SMU on Thursday night, cruising to a 3-0 victory behind a clinical second-half performance. The Cardinals controlled the match from start to finish, outshooting the Mustangs 18-8 while limiting SMU to just three shots on goal. The decisive breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when Emersen Jennings found the back of the net, opening the floodgates for Louisville's attack.
The first half was a tightly contested affair despite Louisville's territorial advantage. Both teams created chances but neither could find the breakthrough, with Louisville's Liza Suydam hitting the woodwork in the 21st minute. SMU's Liz Eddy tested Louisville's defense multiple times, forcing several saves from the Cardinals' goalkeeper. Louisville's Karsyn Cherry and Lizzie Sexton generated early pressure, but the Mustangs' backline held firm through 45 minutes of intense play.
Louisville emerged from halftime with renewed purpose, immediately applying pressure to SMU's defense. The Cardinals' midfield controlled possession and dictated the tempo, forcing SMU into a reactive posture. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 52nd minute when Jennings capitalized on a loose ball in the box, giving Louisville the lead it had threatened throughout the opening period.
With momentum firmly in their favor, Louisville doubled their advantage in the 64th minute. Brooklyn Lee finished a well-worked sequence to make it 2-0, extending the Cardinals' control. The goal seemed to deflate SMU's resistance, and Louisville continued pressing forward. Fina Davy sealed the victory in the 70th minute, completing a dominant performance that left no doubt about the outcome.
Louisville's attack was relentless in the second half, generating nine shots on goal compared to SMU's three. The Cardinals' defense was equally impressive, with goalkeeper making three crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. SMU struggled to generate meaningful offensive opportunities, with Eddy's efforts representing their best chances throughout the match.
The victory extends Louisville's impressive run. The Cardinals have now won back-to-back matches following their draw with Virginia, improving to 13-3-2 overall. Their defensive organization and clinical finishing in the second half showcased why they remain among the nation's elite programs. SMU, meanwhile, continues to struggle, now winless in their last five matches and sitting at 8-8-2 on the season.
Louisville's depth was evident in their ability to rotate players while maintaining control. The Cardinals made significant changes at halftime but showed no drop-off in intensity or quality. SMU made their own adjustments but couldn't find an answer to Louisville's systematic approach, particularly in midfield where the Cardinals dominated possession.
The clean sheet was particularly impressive given Louisville's attacking ambitions. Rather than becoming vulnerable while pushing forward, the Cardinals maintained their shape and discipline, allowing SMU minimal space to operate. Kiley Peat received a yellow card late in the match for unsporting conduct, but Louisville's defensive unit remained composed throughout.
Louisville returns to action next week looking to build on this momentum, while SMU faces the challenge of reversing their recent form. The Mustangs' five-game losing streak has significantly impacted their NCAA Tournament resume, making their remaining matches critical for postseason positioning.