Box Score

EAST LANSING, Mich.- Western Michigan scored a second-half goal and held onto a 1-1 tie against Vermont in its season opener at the MSU/Radisson Men's Soccer Classic at the DeMartin Soccer Complex Friday. Saeed Sulemana Baba netted the game-tying score in his Bronco debut.

"It was a good outing for us, I'm proud with the way our guys didn't give up after giving up an early goal," WMU head coach Chris Karwoski said. "We were able to play a lot of guys which helped us stay fresh and I really thought we looked in better shape."

Lee Stephane Kouadio gave the Catamounts an early 1-0 lead, scoring on a header off a cross in the seventh minute of play. Vermont was quick to pull the trigger throughout the game, holding a 19-5 advantage in the shots column on the day.

Western Michigan came up with its counter in the 81st minute as Baba cleaned up a loose ball in the box. Freshman Sam Meyer flicked on Jordan Miller's free kick from outside the box, but his attempt ricocheted off the cross bar. Charging in from the six, Baba made a diving effort in heavy traffic, heading in the ball for his first collegiate goal.

"The goal by Saeed was beautiful," Karwoski said. "There was a lot of action down in front of the goal and he just layed out for it.

"We had some other scoring opportunities and so did they, but his score really was remarkable. They put up a lot of shots but only a handful were legitimate scoring threats."

Sophomore A.J. Reed started in goal for the Broncos and played the first 45 minutes, making three saves. Kentucky transfer Peter Leonhard took over between the posts in the second half and played the remainder of the game, but was not forced to make a save.

Roger Scully played the full 110 minutes for Vermont and made two stops.

Western Michigan will return to East Lansing on Sunday to take on St. Francis (Pa.) at 11 a.m. The Broncos will open at home next Friday, Sept. 5, when they welcome Eastern Illinois at 4 p.m.