SMU men’s soccer celebrated Military Appreciation Week this past Sunday, allowing all military, first responders and their families to attend the game against American University for free. It held a ceremony before kickoff with the SMU Police Department Honor Guard to honor U.S. Army Veteran Isaiah Peel.
Military Appreciation Night at Westcott Field! Thank you to all our service men and women! pic.twitter.com/8rggbxtpEF
— SMU Men's Soccer (@SMUSoccerM) September 5, 2016
Peel served in the military from Nov. 2010 through July 2014 before being honorably discharged. He is currently a junior at SMU majoring in applied physiology and sport management while working with the SMU football team.
Unfortunately, the 25th-ranked Mustangs lost the game against American University 3-1. SMU led the first half with Colten Habecker scoring a goal in the 15th minute. However, American rallied back in the second half, scoring three goals to secure the win.
Earlier in the weekend on Friday, the soccer team challenged Western Illinois and won 2-1.
In only the third minute of the game, true freshman Garrett McLaughlin scored the first goal of his collegiate career and gave the Mustangs some early momentum.
Western Illinois answered the goal with one of its own in the 37th minute, bringing the score to an even 1-1. Less than ten minutes later, the Mustangs quickly retaliated with another goal that would win them the match. It was the second goal of the season for junior and team captain Mauro Cichero.
The team will be traveling to the East Coast this weekend, facing Providence on Friday and Brown on Sunday. They will return to Westcott Field on Sept.16 to play Santa Clara.
