After a tough match Thursday night, Baylor soccer will look to rebound against in-state foe SMU.
The Bears will likely be without multiple starters as Maddie Algya left the Nebraska match in the first half with a leg injury and Chloe Japic missed the match entirely after picking up an injury against North Dakota State last Sunday.
Midfielder Ally Henderson-Ashkinos also picked up a knock against Nebraska so she might have her minutes limited.
Defensive substitute Kate Zimmerman, who was in a nasty head-to-head collision during the game on Thursday, is also probable to be out of action.
On the bright side for Baylor, those who are able to play will not be lacking experience compared to the Mustangs.
SMU has only played one game and one scrimmage this year. That would not be an issue if they had played a full season last year. However, they only played two games last season due to COVID.
With 19 freshman and sophomores on the squad compared to only nine upperclassmen, in-game experience should greatly favor the green and gold.
SMU coach Chris Petrucelli tried to schedule three scrimmages for the preseason, but I could only find a record of one being played. They drew 0-0 with Ole Miss, who is currently receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches poll.
The Mustangs were also scheduled to play their season opener at Houston Baptist, but torrential rains made the field unplayable.
Last Sunday they were finally able to start their season, posting a 2-0 win over Northwestern State.
Courtney Sebazco (#28) scored both goals and looked very composed in doing so. She is a player to watch out for Sunday night at the Lou.
SMU’s biggest star is midfielder Wayna Balata (#10). The junior was selected to the American’s preseason all-conference team and is the focal point of their setup.
SMU, at least in their match against Northwestern State, looks to build their attacks through the middle of the field.
They will vary between short passes through the defense and long-balls over the top. However, they don’t seem to try attacking down the sides and toward the endline. If they get even with the top of the 18-yard box, the wide attackers look for a teammate in the middle.
With a weakened midfield, this could be trouble for the Bears.
I do think Baylor will have the edge in physicality, which should help them control the game.
SMU looked somewhat shaky in defense against Northwestern State, so if Baylor doesn’t settle for so many long shots again things could shake out better this time.
I think coach Jobson will have his team ready to go on Sunday. It won’t matter to them what conference SMU is in or that they were picked to finish 3rd in the AAC preseason poll.
The Bottom Line: They are better than their results so far, and I expect them to show that. A hard-fought 1-0 victory, that is my prediction.
