2023-10-23 00:02:59
Next Game:
Belmont University
10/27/2023 | 3:30 PM
Oct. 27 (Fri) / 3:30 PM
Belmont University
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Western Michigan University men’s soccer team took full position of the Missouri Valley Conference lead Sunday evening after defeating #10 Missouri State on the road 2-1.
“Full credit needs to go to the boys, they came on the road, beat the #10 ranked team in the nation that hasn’t lost a league game in 5 years. It’s so impressive”, said head coach Chad Wiseman after the WMU’s victory.
Despite being unranked in the United Soccer Coaches rankings and the NCAA D1 Communities top 16 for the entirety of the season, the Brown and Gold have continued to make consistent strides after its 1-0 loss to #12 University of Vermont on August 24th. Ranked or not, the men’s soccer team has continued to play their game, regardless of the circumstance. As a result, in less than a month’s time, the Brown and Gold have defeated #20 UIC and now #10 Missouri State, both on the road, amidst their program best 14 game unbeaten streak, which began on Sunday, August 27th in a 3-1 road victory over Utah Valley. Now, as of this evening, the Brown and Gold are 5-0-1 in conference play heading into the final two games of the season with 16 points on top of the Missouri Valley Conference table.
After a back and forth first half, Missouri State capitalized on their offensive front with less than one minute until intermission to take a 1-0 lead into halftime off a Bronco own goal.
“The own goal right before half was a stomach punch,” explained Wiseman, “We spoke about it in the locker room and we needed to move forward and I think our experience showed its teeth”.
During the first half, the Broncos faced nine shots from the Bears with seven of them on target. WMU noticeably tightened up its defensive grip in the final 45 minutes, limiting the Bears to only three shots on target after the break.
Later in the second half, with nearly 15 minutes remaining in the contest, Tom Cooklin was able to put the Broncos on the board with his third goal of the season. Cooklin has now scored in three consecutive games, a personal best during his time with the Brown and Gold.
Less than one minute later in the 75th, Charlie Sharp closed out the game with his third goal in three games to put a stamp on the comeback over the Bears.
“Chuck scored his 10th of the year and what a goal it was,” said Wiseman. “Charlie and Dylan (Sing) started to change the game in the second half. They get so much attention from opposing teams and they continue to change games. This result is surely to grab some attention, and it should. These Broncos are playing some great soccer and beating some talented teams.” Noted Wiseman. “Senior Day is next Friday. We have an unbelievable group of seniors and Bronco Nation needs to come out and show their support for some of the best broncos to ever wear the uniform!” concluded Wiseman.
Historical Notes
With Sharp’s game winning goal in the 75th minute, he is now one goal behind Dan Edwards (1991-94) for a share of the program record for the most goals scored in program history (34). Sharp also improved the program record for game winning goals with his strike this evening to 12.
Up Next
The Broncos will return home for Senior Day on Friday, October 27, versus Belmont with an early 3:30 PM kickoff. Live Stats and livestream information is available under the men’s soccer schedule.
1698030391
#Mens #Soccer #Claims #MVC #Lead #Knocks #Missouri #State