KALAMAZOO, Mich.- After defeating the Zips 1-0 in the regular season, Western Michigan nearly pulled off another big upset over Akron Friday evening in the Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinals. WMU junior Cam Jensen scored in the 55th minute and the Broncos were 20 minutes away from victory, until Akron shot a pair of penalty kicks in a five-minute span to stun Western Michigan.
“We have played Akron four times in two years, every game has had a lot on the line,” said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. “Today we were in a great position with 20 minutes to play. We had a great opportunity to score the second goal and increase our lead, we missed our chance and five minutes later we're down 2-1.
"The game at this level really comes down to a few plays, credit Akron for making those plays. Its still very tough to lose on two penalty calls within four minutes.
“I'm so proud of this team and where they have taken this program. They have had a tremendous year and accomplished a lot.”
Jensen's goal came at 54:48 as a result of a free kick. Junior Sean Conerty struck the ball into the box and freshman Zach Bock leapt up to head it down. Junior Carlos Suarez got a touch on the ball and Jensen was there to finish. It was Jensen's second goal of the year.
Akron's first penalty kick came at 70:50, with Adam Najem putting away the shot. The Zips were gifted a second PK at 74:34. Clint Caso stepped up to score the eventual game-winner.
Western Michigan entered the contest as the No. 4 seed. Akron was the tournament host as the No. 1 seed and the game was played at the Zips' home venue,
FirstEnergy Stadium.
WMU was issued four yellow cards and one red card in the game. Akron drew one yellow card. The foul count at the half was four against each team. In the second half, Western Michigan was called for 16 fouls, twice as many as Akron (8).
The loss brings an end to Western Michigan's season and the careers of seniors Adriano Deabreu, Jason Grant, Kyle Farris, Florian Scheck and Mario Teixeira. The Broncos finish 2014 with an 8-7-4 overall record.
“We have five seniors that put the Bronco uniform on for the last time, they are all class act individuals," Wiseman said. "They will be missed and I thank them for all they have done for our program.”
