Men's Soccer | November 10, 2017

Box Score KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan senior forward Jay McIntosh scored the game-winning goal in the 75th minute, leading the Broncos to a 1-0 victory over No. 4 seed West Virginia in the Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinals.

With the win, the No. 1 seeded Broncos advance to Sunday's MAC championship game to face No. 2 seed Akron. Sunday's championship matchup will be played at 1 p.m. and aired on ESPN3. The Broncos enter the game ranked No. 4 in the nation, while the Zips are ranked No. 7. WMU defeated Akron in the regular-season meeting on Oct. 7, 1-0, in Kalamazoo.

Western Michigan dominated the match against West Virginia, holding a 7-0 advantage on corner kicks and out-shooting the Mountaineers, 20-3.

"It was a pretty solid performance from the men today," said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman, who was recognized as MAC Coach of the Year on Thursday. "I really feel like we were able to have the game played on our terms and we stayed discipline. The postseason is about finding ways to advance and the men did that today."

The shutout was WMU's 13th of the season, setting a new program record, and upped the Broncos' overall record to 16-2-1 on the season.

McIntosh and fellow senior Brandon Bye led the Bronco attack, each taking four shots (two on goal) and tested West Virginia's defense throughout the day.

"Bye and McIntosh were a load today, they are just so physically imposing," Wiseman said. "We created several really good chances, credit West Virginia, they defended well and made plays to keep them in the game. The goal was Jay and Brandon doing their thing, seniors stepping up to make a big a play."   

McIntosh finally broke through for his sixth goal of the season in the 75th minute, using his strength and size to hold off WVU's defenders and score unassisted from inside the 18-yard box for the eventual game-winner.

Western Michigan redshirt senior goalkeeper Drew Shepherd came up with a huge diving save in the final minutes to preserve the victory, recording his 28th career shutout. Shepherd made three saves in the game.

"They fought hard and made Drew make a big time save late in the game," Wiseman said. "The leadership from our seniors this year has been fantastic, and they know we still have many goals to accomplish this season.

"The table is set for yet another top 10 showdown at the WMU Soccer Complex on Sunday, this time with a championship on the line. I expect the atmosphere to be incredible. Our University and community will be out in full force, it will be a game you won't want to miss."