DALLAS ? Bradley's four-game winning streak came to an end in somewhat controversial fashion as #5 SMU (12-3-2) held on for a 1-0 non-conference victory against its former Missouri Valley Conference rival Wednesday night at Westcott Field.
Scott Geppert scored what proved to be the winner at 15:15 by heading home a Scott Corbin free kick. The Braves (11-5-3) believed they had pulled even in the 51st minute, however, after Chris Cutshaw's header hit the cross bar and dropped back to the field. Although Bradley argued the ball fell across the goal line, the officials did not signal a goal before an SMU defender was able to clear the ball away.
Grant Campbell recorded Bradley's only shot on goal in the game, but SMU keeper Steve Sanbo collected that second-half shot to preserve the shutout. Stephen Brust also had a shot at an open net following a second half corner kick, but with Sanbo on the ground, Brust's shot from the middle of the box sailed wide. Bradley's defense turned in another stingy effort, limiting the high-octane SMU attack to only three shots on goal in the game. Senior keeper Mike Haynes finished with two saves for the Braves.
Bradley, which battled the Mustangs to a 3-3-3 stalemate during SMU's five-year (2000-04) membership in The Valley, entered the final week of the regular season riding the NCAA Tournament at-large bubble and a result on the road against the No. 5 team in the country could have left a positive impression on the selection committee, while also bumping the team's Ratings Percentage Index into an even stronger position.
With the non-conference season now complete, the Braves will return their attention to their MVC regular-season championship chase. Bradley enters Saturday night's regular-season finale against Western Kentucky at Shea Stadium tied for first in The Valley standings and will secure at least a share of its third straight league title with a win against the Hilltoppers. Having already secured a first-round bye in next week's State Farm MVC Tournament at Creighton as one of the top two seeds, several scenarios involving the game against WKU and the Creighton/Evansville contest Saturday night could give the Braves the Valley championship.
In addition to the annual Senior Night ceremonies in recognition of the team's eight seniors, Saturday's regular-season finale is being promoted as Fan Appreciation Night and admission will not be charged for the 7 o'clock contest at Shea Stadium.
