KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan men's soccer program returned to winning fashion this afternoon with an exciting 2-1 double overtime victory over visiting Drake University, Tuesday, Sept. 27 at the WMU Soccer Complex. Following the win, the Broncos improve to 8-2-0 overall.

Two different Broncos found the back of the net in the victory. Junior midfielder Brandon Bye and freshman midfielder Anthony Bowie scored for Western Michigan. Former Mr. Michigan Soccer, Bowie, tallied his first collegiate and game-winning goal on the afternoon.

"The two goals were great this afternoon," commented WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. "Bye had an amazing finish and Bowie played a great match. The freshman brought lots of energy and scored his first collegiate goal as a Bronco in overtime. I could not be happier for him and the team today."

How it Happened:
The Bulldogs capitalized first in the second minute when a corner kick deflected off the head of a Bronco defender. 

Western Michigan would threaten most of the first half out shooting Drake 11-3 and holding a 7-3 corner kick advantage. However, the Broncos were unable to even the score heading into halftime.

The second half looked much like the first as WMU maintained most of possession. The Broncos countered with chances but did not capitalize until the 86^th minute. Midfielder Edu Jimenez sent a beautiful ball into the box off a corner kick. Bye was able to connect his head on the ball for his sixth goal of the season and evening the score 1-1. 

Neither team would mount any chances as the game went into overtime. After regulation, the Broncos held a 22-7 advantage in shots while calling upon redshirt junior goalkeeper, Drew Shepherd, to make three saves. 

As neither team delivered threatening oportunities, the first overtime came to a close. However, the second proved to be much different. In the 106th minute, Drake had the opportunity to win the game. After a cross into the box, a Bulldog header pinged the crossbar. The ball bounced tdback to another Bulldog but this time the shot went wide.

With just 1:43 on the clock, defender Alex Ruddock won the ball from a Drake Bulldog. Ruddock would send the ball to defender Hunter Vandenboom who would chip the ball over a Bulldog outside back as the ball bounced perfectly in front of midfielder Bowie. The freshman placed the ball into the left side netting for the game-winner for the Broncos (2-1).

Western Michigan placed 10 shots on frame while Drake placed five on goal calling upon Shepherd to make four saves in the victory. WMU held the 11-4 advantage in corner kicks during the afternoon. 

Quotable:
"The own goal could have done the team in, especially coming off the game against Detroit," said head coach Chad Wiseman. "We responded the way I expected and our leaders were tremendous. We created many chances in both halves, we just lacked quality in the final third. I am happy the team pulled through and came away with the victory."

Up Next:
Saturday, Oct. 1, the Broncos welcome the Braves from Bradley University. The game is slated to kick off at 12 p.m. at the WMU Soccer Complex. All Western Michigan home soccer games are free admission.