EAST LANSING, Mich.- Western Michigan struck first, but couldn't uphold its lead, as No. 21 Michigan State tied the game late in the second half and pulled out a 2-1 victory in overtime.

It was just the third loss of the year for the Broncos, whose record moved to 8-3-1 on the season. All three WMU losses this year were one-goal margins. MSU improved to 8-2-0.

How it Happened:

Both Western Michigan and Michigan State took five shots in the first half, but neither team could break onto the scoreboard in the opening 45 minutes.

Bronco senior midfielder Edu Jimenez gave WMU a 1-0 lead in the 61st minute, scoring unassisted off a free kick from 45 yards out for his second goal of the season.

The Spartans were awarded a penalty kick with just over 11 minutes remaining in regulation. Sophomore forward Ryan Sierakowski stepped up to put the shot away and tie the game at 1-1 in the 79th minute.

Sierakowski came through again for Michigan State in overtime, tallying the golden goal from 25 yards out in the 94th minute.

Western Michigan took 10 shots in the game, while MSU fired 11. Both teams had three corner kicks.

Quoting Wiseman:

"That was a very good college soccer game and we were unfortunate to be on the wrong end of the result today," said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. "In the first half we had long spells of possession and created two or three really great scoring chances. We really needed to reward ourselves with a goal in the first half.  

"On the flip side of that Michigan State was very dangerous on the counter, they too created two or three really good scoring chances against the run of play. The overtime game-winner was MSU stepping up and making a big play in a big moment.  They deserve credit for that. 

"We're in a fantastic position moving forward for Saturday MAC opener.  We're battle tested, we have faced some adversity, we know what it takes to win games, we know who we are. Northern Illinois is well coached and will be ready to open MAC play. Overall we played a very good 94 minutes. We're all excited to open conference play."

Next Up:
The Broncos host Northern Illinois for Homecoming as well as the team's Mid-American Conference opener on Saturday, Oct. 8 with kickoff slated for noon. Admission to all home soccer games are free of charge.