Box Score
KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan men's soccer team (1-1-1) suffered its first loss of the season, falling 2-0 in the Broncos' home opener to Eastern Illinois on Friday at the WMU Soccer Complex.
In an up and down game, both teams were quick to attack but Western Michigan failed to come up with a goal. It was the first time the Broncos have been shutout in three games this season.
Eastern Illinois' Brad Peters set up both Panther scores, as he tallied two assists on the evening. The first EIU goal came just before the halftime break as Peters played a cross on the ground from the right side through the box and Jeff Phillips came in from the backside for the finish.
Trailing 1-0, the Broncos had what might have been their best scoring opportunity five minutes into the second half. Senior forward Jordan Fylonenko was fighting off a defender in open field and managed to get a shot off from within the 18-yard box but his attempt sailed wide to the left.
A physical game ensued in the final 20 minutes as three cards were issued and a total of 20 fouls were called between the two squads.
In the 82nd minute, Western Michigan lost control of the ball at midfield and Peters raced down the left side on a breakaway. With a defender closing in from the weak side, Peters sent the ball across the box once again, this time find Alex Harrison unmarked for the finish on the backside.
Starting goalie A.J. Reed took the loss between the posts for WMU, playing almost 87 minutes in goal. As the Broncos have done all season, junior transfer Peter Leonhard came on to start the second half. His time was cut short after going down with an injury after just three minutes on the field.
Reed faced 10 shots and made four saves. EIU goalkeeper Mark Hansen faced eight Bronco shot attempts and was forced to make five saves. The Panthers improved to 2-1-0 with the win.
Western Michigan will look to rebound from the loss on Sunday, when the Brown & Gold plays host to IUPUI at 1 p.m. The men's soccer team invite all students to attend ?Starving Student Day' in which the team will provide free pizza to all WMU students in attendance (while supplies last).
