KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan got goals from freshman Zach Bock and junior Carlos Suarez, playing visiting IUPUI to a 2-2 tie Saturday at the WMU Soccer Complex. Junior Sean Conerty recorded an assist on each goal to up his season total to a team-leading seven assists on the year.

Despite leading the numbers, 23-9 on shots and 10-0 on corner kicks, Western Michigan had to fight back twice to even the score. The Jaguars took a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute and then held a 2-1 advantage at the half.

“It's not the result we wanted, credit IUPUI for finishing their chances,” said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. “We didn't play poorly, we controlled the entire match and certainly created enough chances to win the game, but our quality in the final third just wasn't there.”  

IUPUI's Uriel Macias was the first to strike in the game, chipping a shot over WMU goalkeeper Chase Rau as he rushed off his line. Macias had broken free from the Bronco defense and booted the ball in from just inside the box.

Bock evened the score with his third goal of the season three minutes later. Conerty played a free kick from 30 yards out on the right side that found its way low through the box. Bock punched it in on the backside.

Emmanuel Usen regained the lead for IUPUI in the 34th minute. Showing off his explosiveness, Usen accepted a ball at midfield and raced down the left side before blasting a shot opposite corner.

Suarez came up with equalizer for Western Michigan in the 66th minute, tallying his third goal of the year as well. Sean Hazen served a ball from the right side that was tipped off the foot of Conerty and Suarez rushed in for the finish.

The Broncos had chances to come away with a win late in the game, particularly in the second overtime, when the team pressed for six shots, including two on goal. With less than two minutes remaining WMU's Jason Grant was taken down hard around the penalty area and a yellow card was accessed to IUPUI's Clint Hoffar. As Grant lay within the 18, it looked as though Western Michigan would be awarded a penalty kick, however the ball was placed on the other side of the marker. Conerty lined up for the free kick but was unable to put a shot on target around the Jaguar defensive wall.

Western Michigan forced IUPUI goalie Eduardo Cortes to make eight saves in the game. Rau made two stops for the Broncos. A total of six cautions were issued, four to IUPUI and two to WMU.

With the tie, Western Michigan continues its stretch of impressive play, as the Broncos have suffered only one defeat in their last eight contests and maintain a 6-3-2 record. The Brown & Gold now prepares for its Mid-American Conference opener, traveling to New York to face Buffalo on Oct. 10.

“We are well-prepared for conference play and move forward to direct all of our attention to Buffalo,” Wiseman said. “With only five games this year on the MAC schedule, we know every point is critical.”