DALLAS, TEXAS - Cooper Flax needed just 117 seconds to write the story of SMU's thrilling 5-4 victory over Wake Forest, slotting home the opening goal before a spirited crowd of 1,016 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
The early breakthrough set the tone for what became an offensive fireworks display, with both teams creating chances and refusing to back down. SMU's defense held firm despite Wake Forest's persistent pressure, with the Mustangs' goalkeeper making four crucial saves to match Wake Forest's four stops.
As the first half wore on, Stephan Soghomonian doubled SMU's advantage in the 4th minute, capitalizing on a beautifully weighted through ball from Ryan Clanton-Pimentel and Jaylinn Mitchell's incisive run. Cooper Flax struck again just 10 minutes later, finishing clinically to give SMU a 3-0 lead. Wake Forest finally got on the board in the 14th minute through their own relentless pressure, but the Mustangs maintained their three-goal cushion heading into halftime.
The second half narrative remained unchanged, with both teams continuing their end-to-end battle. Enzo Panozzo pulled Wake Forest within two in the 62nd minute, assisted by Charles-Emile Brunet's pinpoint cross. The Demon Deacons continued to push, but SMU's defense absorbed the pressure, marshaling their forces to protect the lead. That was until Slade Starnes scored in the 68th minute, again courtesy of Brunet's creative distribution. The game was far from over, however, as Milton Lopez restored SMU's three-goal advantage in the 71st minute, finishing a beautifully orchestrated move involving Brunet and Mukisa Emmanuel.
Wake Forest refused to give up, and their persistence was rewarded when Nico Rabiu scored in the 85th minute, capitalizing on Harvey Sarajian's clever flick. The Demon Deacons pushed hard for an equalizer, but SMU's defense held firm until Ryan Belal scored in the 87th minute to make it 5-3. Landon Hickam added a late goal for SMU in the 89th minute, assisted by Enzo Panozzo, but Wake Forest scored in stoppage time through an own goal equivalent situation, courtesy of a Landon Hickam own goal attempt that was deflected.
The statistical ledger reveals a game that was as intense as it was entertaining. SMU outshot Wake Forest 21-10 overall and held a marginal advantage in shots on target, 9-8. The Mustangs also controlled the corner-kick battle, earning 11 opportunities to Wake Forest's four. Both teams showed discipline issues, with three yellow cards apiece, but it was SMU's ruthless efficiency in front of goal that ultimately secured the victory.
For SMU (8-4-4, 3-2-3 in conference), the win extends their current winning streak to two games and keeps them in contention for a strong conference finish. Their next challenge comes against Tulsa, a team that has been inconsistent this season. The victory represents more than three points for SMU; it showcases their ability to win games in thrilling fashion, a quality that will be crucial in the postseason.
Wake Forest (7-4-6, 2-3-3 in conference), on the other hand, suffers their second consecutive loss, a setback that complicates their conference aspirations. The Demon Deacons will need to regroup quickly and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to bounce back against their next opponent, NC State.
The afternoon belonged to SMU's attacking trio of Charles-Emile Brunet, Enzo Panozzo, and Milton Lopez, who combined for five goals and three assists in a masterclass performance. Their creativity and clinical finishing were the difference-makers in a game that will be remembered for its excitement and drama.
Key Players:
Charles-Emile Brunet (SMU) – Orchestrated SMU's attack with precision, providing two assists and creating multiple scoring opportunities with his incisive distribution.
Cooper Flax (SMU) – The match-winner showed exceptional finishing skill, scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes to set SMU on their path to victory.
Enzo Panozzo (SMU) – Scored crucial goals and provided an assist, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and make a significant impact on the game.
Nico Rabiu (Wake Forest) – Showed resilience and determination, scoring a vital goal for Wake Forest and keeping his team's chances alive until the very end.