Game Stats

KALAMAZOO - The Western Michigan men's soccer team had its home opener spoiled by Wisconsin-Green Bay in a 5-1 loss on “International Student Day” at the WMU soccer complex on Monday afternoon.

The Phoenix (2-0-1) struck first in the 16th minute after a foul by the Broncos forced a direct free kick from just outside the right-center of the box. Western Michigan formed a wall but David Znaty was able to bend it around the wall and passed WMU keeper Casey Aubil for his first goal of the season, giving UWGB a 1-0 lead.

The Broncos (0-2-0) squared the game at one-all in the 30th minute. Freshman forward Kai Mendes gave a Phoenix defender fits deep in the corner and after Mendes beat his man he passed it off the Darren Jones. Jones was near the goal line in the corner and crossed it through the box and to Saeed Sulemana Baba, who headed it in from the far post for his first goal of the season. Jones and Mendes each earned the first assists and first points of their collegiate careers.

Green Bay responded quickly by adding a goal in the 34th minute and then again in the 45th minute. J.C. Banks kicked in a pass from Stuart Grable after Grable was able to pull Aubil towards the right side and out of position. Banks would pick up an assist on UWGB's third goal as he pulled in a long ball and directed it to Dan Krueger, who found A.J. Konchar alone in the box to give the Phoenix a 3-1 lead at the half.

Goals were added in the 71st minute by Tony Walls and 88th minute by Casey Berg to put the game away, 5-1.

Western Michigan heads to Peoria, Ill., for the Hotels at Grand Prairie Bradley Soccer Classic on Friday and Saturday. WMU plays host Bradley on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Evansville at 5 p.m. on Saturday.