EAST LANSING, Mich.- Michigan State jumped out to a two-goal lead and held on for a 2-1 victory, defeating visiting Western Michigan men's soccer Tuesday at DeMartin Stadium. WMU senior Esteban Russell scored his first career goal in the loss.

Western Michigan dominated the stat column but had trouble finishing in its offensive third. WMU out-shot Michigan State 19-10 and held a 9-1 advantage on corner kicks. The Broncos put six shots on goal.

Both Western Michigan and Michigan State have been ranked in top 25 polls this season and are among the top teams in the Great Lakes Region.

"We certainly let a great opportunity pass us by today," said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. "We were very good box-to-box controlling the match for long periods in both halves. MSU was disciplined in their play conceding some of the possession of the game to stay organized defensively and they are very tough to break down.

"Our team unfortunately didn't have much to show for our possession. We lacked ideas and creativity in the final third, guys at the forward position are simply not getting the job done.

"Michigan State is a very good team and a great program. There is a reason why they win so many games from year to year." 

Freshman forward Ryan Sierakowski netted both Spartan goals, his team-leading fourth and fifth of the season. The first goal came in the 10th minute to give MSU a 1-0 lead at the half, striking from the top of the box off an assist from Jason Stacy.

Sierakowski put in his second goal in the 63rd minute, this time finishing a cross in the box, with assists going to Stacy and Dewey Lewis. MSU improved to 6-4-2 with the win.

Russell tucked away Western Michigan's lone goal in the 89th minute, powering in a pass on the left from sophomore Brandon Bye on the far right side. It was Bye's third assist of the season.

WMU senior keeper Chase Rau took the loss in goal, playing a complete 90 minutes.

Western Michigan (6-3-2, 0-1-0 MAC) hosts Bowling Green in a Mid-American Conference matchup this weekend, Saturday, Oct. 17. Kickoff from the WMU Soccer Complex is 1 p.m. Admission to home Bronco soccer games is free.

"Saturday's game against Bowling Green is massive with major implications," Wiseman added. "The guys know that and so does BG, should make for a fun game.

"We got great performances today from seniors Nick Wysong, Connor Furgason and Greg Timmer. Will need them to be there come Saturday if we want to beat the Falcons."