Box Score
KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan played spoiler, holding on to a 1-0 victory over Bowling Green on Homecoming Weekend at the BGSU campus. Yllson Asani scored the game-winner for the Broncos in the first half, the first goal of his collegiate career.
The win marks head coach Stu Riddle's first Mid-American Conference victory, getting it on his first try. With wins over Canisius and Centenary last week, Western Michigan has won its last three straight games after dropping its first six.
Western Michigan (3-6-0, 1-0 MAC) controlled the attack in the first half, outshooting the Falcons 11-5. Asani's game-winner came in the 31st minute, off a long throw-in by sophomore Doug Raak. Raak hurled the ball in from wide on the left side and Falcon goalie Jeff Smoker hesitated, allowing Asani to out-jump his defender and knock the ball in. It was the third assist of the season for Raak.
Neither team could put in a score in the second half and Western Michigan's defense held strong for the 1-0 win.
"They picked up the attack in the second half and we did a good job weathering the storm, which is what you have to do in these MAC games," Riddle said.
WMU fired 16 shots, Asani and Kai Mendes leading the way with three each. Bowling Green (1-7-2, 0-2 MAC) took 12 shots. Senior Casey Aubil made four stops in goal for the Broncos.
On the schedule for Western Michigan next week is a road trip to East Lansing Wednesday, Oct. 7, for a 4 p.m. showdown with Michigan State. WMU then has its shot at No. 1 Akron on the Broncos' home pitch, Saturday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m.
