Box Score | Season Statistics | Infographic

DALLAS – Trailing No. 17 SMU by a one-goal margin at halftime on Tuesday night, the Northeastern men's soccer team had its bid at salvaging a point against the ranked Mustangs undone by a burst of offense as the Huskies succumbed to a 6-0 result at Westcott Field.
 
Northeastern (2-9-2) kept level terms with SMU (9-2-0) throughout the duration of the first half hour, nearly striking first on Harry Swartz's header off the left post during the 18th minute. After conceding five corners to the Mustangs during the opening 23 minutes of play, the Huskies began to reap the benefits of their attack, winning four corners during a two-minute stretch just shy of the half-hour mark.
 
SMU jumped out to a 1-0 lead during the 32nd minute on Garrett McLaughlin's seventh goal of the season – his first of five points on the night (two goals, one assist). Mauro Cichero had initiated the counter-attack upon intercepting Cameron Okoro's midfield pass, feeding Emil Cuello on his run towards the left side of the box. Cuello completed the sequence by centering his pass to McLaughlin, who slid through Edward Okey and Swartz to beat Jonathan Thuresson and put the Mustangs in front.
 
Adama Kaba and Dan Munch both had chances to net the equalizing goal in the wake of McLaughlin's go-ahead tally. Kaba delivered a rolling, right-to-left shot across the box during the 35th minute that was saved by Michael Nelson, while Munch directed the deflection back on goal, though resulting in another save made by Nelson.
 
Despite Northeastern closing the first half one goal and two attempts (5-3) behind SMU, the Huskies were outmatched by the finesse of the Mustangs' forwards during the second half. Less than 10 minutes into the half, Nicky Hernandez widened the margin to 2-0 upon using creative footwork to navigate around Okoro, who had been applying close, one-on-one defensive pressure. Within 75 seconds, SMU had taken a 3-0 lead on Cichero's daggering strike from 25 yards, straight away to the left corner.
 
A poor challenge by Edward Okey inside the SMU attacking box during the 58th minute resulted in both a yellow card for the NU back and a penalty awarded to the home team. Cichero upped the Mustang's advantage to 4-0 courtesy of his second goal of the match, finishing the night with six total points (two goals, two assists).
 
SMU tacked on two more goals against Noah Abrams during the final half hour of play. McLaughlin headed in a set piece from Cichero during the 68th minute, while Jacob Cohen hit a 25-yard strike during the 76th minute.
 
Alec Supinski notched the Huskies' lone shot on goal of the second half, firing at Nelson during the 65th minute.
 
UP NEXT
 
Northeastern will dive back into CAA play on Saturday, Oct. 14, when the Huskies travel to Elon for a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Phoenix.