Men's Soccer Falls, 1-0, to Western Michigan

Western concludes road swing with Saturday (Sept. 19) match against Kansas City

Box Score KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Illinois men's soccer team wrapped up play at the Radisson Invitational on Sunday, September 13, as the Leathernecks took on Western Michigan. The tournament hosts were able to net a second-half goal en route to a 1-0 victory over the Purple and Gold. Western falls to 0-5-1 on the year while the Broncos remain unbeaten at 5-0. Austin Gochneaur and Drew Whalen were named to the All-Tournament Team for their efforts over the weekend.

"It was a really good game for us today defensively. We pushed them to the limit in terms of how we defended the ball," said head coach Dr. Eric Johnson This was the same Western Michigan team that scored eight on St. Bonaventure on Friday, and we held them to one."

The lone goal of the match came midway through the second half, as Western Michigan was able to break a scoreless tie. In the 73rd minute Brandon Bye was able to net his second goal of the season off of a Edu Jimenez corner kick. The shot beat freshman Bruce Corrie, who making his first start of the season in net after making his collegiate debut in the second half of Western's previous match.

"It was a good goal by Western Michigan. We were under a lot of pressure and they were the best team we have played this year. They were a physical team and pressured all over the field," added Johnson.

Corrie was tested often throughout the course of the day, as he tallied seven saves off of 18 Bronco shots. Western Michigan was able to keep the pressure on the WIU defense thanks in part to 17 Bronco corner kicks.

Western's attack struggled Sunday, tallying a total of three shots. The Leathernecks were able to register one shot on goal, as Diego Lopez put the ball on target in the 54th minute. Western Michigan's Drew Shepherd was there for the save, the only time his name would be called Sunday.

"We had a couple of chances but we weren't good on the ball. Most of that is because of the fact that they pressed us high and chased us all over," said Johnson.

Lopez recorded two of Western's three shots against the Broncos, with Whalen tallying the other WIU shot.

"I'm proud of the way we battled. We made improvements in the last week and these two games show it on our defending. I'm hopeful that we will turn the tide and get that first win," added Johnson.

Western Illinois has a week to prepare for its next contest, as the Leathernecks hit the road to cap off a four-match roadtrip with a contest against the Kangaroos of Kansas City. Kick off on Saturday, September 19, is slated for 1 p.m.