KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan freshman Zach Bock scored his first and second collegiate goals on the same day, leading the Bronco men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Butler Friday at the WMU Soccer Complex.
“I can't say enough about Zach Bock's performance, he is on the big stage now and loving every minute of it," said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. "What a great atmosphere today, I would like to thank all the alumni, community and students for coming and supporting the Broncos, it truly makes a difference."
It was the second-straight victory for the Broncos (2-2-1), who have defeated Big East opponents in back-to-back games, also downing DePaul last Sunday on the road.
Bock's first strike came in the 28th minute, after a corner by sophomore Edu Jimenez sailed through the box untouched and took a bounce. Bock leapt up on the back side and snapped a header just inside the post. WMU's lead was short lived, as Butler's David Goldsmith slipped by his mark on a set piece and scored from close range in the 32nd minute. The game remained tied at halftime.
Both sides saw their chances in the second half before Bock's game-winner. WMU's Hunter Vandenboom and Sean Conerty rattled the Bulldogs back field in the 54th minute and Conerty found himself with only the goalie to beat, but would be denied. The Broncos were also numbers up deep in Bulldog territory in the 71st minute, however failed to pull the trigger.
The Bronco faithful held their breath in the 77th minute when Butler's Michael Kozielek had a step on the WMU defense. Junior goal keeper Chase Rau rushed off his line to challenge and Kozielek sent a volley just over the top.
The deciding goal came in the 83rd minute as a result of a corner. Conerty served the ball into the box and freshman Brandon Bye got on the end of it, blasting a hard shot on frame. Bock finished on the rebound.
“I thought it was a great college soccer match, both teams did not disappoint and left it all on the field,” Wiseman added. “We have a lot of respect for Butler, they have very dangerous players going forward and our back line did a great job of limiting their quality chances. We put in a complete 90-minute performance and the guys were rewarded for it. This team is getting better and better everytime we get on the field.”
Rau played all 90 minutes in goal for Western Michigan and made three saves, all in the first half.
The men's soccer team returns to action Sunday, as part of a doubleheader with the Bronco women. The women's team hosts UIC at noon, followed by a 2:30 men's kickoff against Eastern Illinois. This weekend is Alumni Weekend for both the soccer programs.
