Air Force Stands Strong at No.10 SMU, Falls by PK

DALLAS-- Air Force held the No. 10 SMU Mustangs to just one goal in a brilliant defensive effort in the 2024 season opener, falling one-nil at Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium.

Despite a 30-minute weather delay, the Falcons took the pitch with purpose. Air Force gritted through an SMU onslaught in the first half, defending against 12 shots— seven of which were on goal. C3C Will Collins, in his collegiate debut, made seven saves in the first 45 minutes to send the high-powered Mustangs to the halftime locker room scoreless. The Falcons' senior leader Carter Rizzo managed to fire off a shot on goal in the 23^rd minute.

SMU eventually got one through in the 63^rd minute by way of a penalty kick. The Mustang's Bailey Sparks beat the sophomore keeper to the bottom left corner of the frame.

Despite the deficit against an aggressive veteran squad, the Falcons stood strong. Freshman forward Attilla Toth, who registered over 60 minutes of play, attempted to put the Falcons on the board with a shot on target in the 82^nd minute. It was the second and final AF shot on the match.

Air Force's defense was anchored by C3C Noah Higbie and C4C Kyle Skevington who both logged 90 minutes of action on the pitch. Collins made seven saves with one goal allowed in his debut.

SMU fired off 20 shots in the match, led by Bailey Sparks with five shots to his credit. A myriad of Mustangs registered two and three shots apiece. The Falcons' two shots on the match were both on goal, SMU keeper Chance Johnson was credited with two saves.

"I love the way these young men play, battle, and compete," interim head coach Kevin Doyle said. "We played an exceptional team tonight but we were with them every step of the game. I couldn't be happier with the way they played."

Next up, Air Force welcomes service academy rival Army to Cadet Soccer Stadium for the home opener on Thursday, August 29. Action at USAFA is slated for 6 p.m. MT. On Sunday, the Falcons will host PAC 12 powerhouse Washington at 6 p.m.

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