Box Score KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan men's soccer team suffered its first loss of the 2015 season, dropping a 2-0 decision to visiting Valparaiso Wednesday at the WMU Soccer Complex.
Western Michigan (5-1-1) entered the game with a No. 18 ranking, according to the TopDrawerSoccer national poll, and had only given up one goal through its first six games. Valparaiso quickly matched that goal mark, scoring just two minutes into the match. The Crusaders (3-2-2) added a second half strike in the 85th minute to pull off the 2-0 victory.
“It was a disappointing result to say the least,” said WMU head coach
Chad Wiseman. “You have to give Valparaiso credit they were very tough to break down today. Their defensive lines were very deep and compact, it was tough to find space in the final third.”
Isaiah Madrid scored the first goal of the game for Valparaiso, receiving a pass just within the 18-yard box from Matthew Gweh and tucking it away low right past WMU keeper
Chase Rau. Once the Crusaders took the lead the defense sat back, limiting WMU's offensive opportunities.
Western Michigan made halftime adjustments and dominated the tempo in the second half, which was largely one-way Bronco pressure. WMU's best chance came in the 71st minute when a header by senior
Connor Furgason rang off the crossbar. As Western Michigan continued to attack with numbers up front, Valparaiso was able to put away a second goal on the counter, pushing their advantage to 2-0. Jordan Aidoud tallied the insurance goal, cleaning up a loose ball in the box from teammate Stian Sandbekkhaug.
“We certainly had our chances to equalize,” Wiseman said. “It just wasn't meant to be today. We will regroup, continue to work hard and focus on the next game which is Detroit. We have an experienced group of players and I am confident we will respond.”
Valparaiso goalkeeper Nico Campbell made four saves, including an impressive stop on a well-struck free kick by junior
Edu Jimenez in the first half.
Rau made his first start in goal for Western Michigan this season and played an entire 90 minutes. He recorded two saves.
Western Michigan had five corner kicks, while not allowing any to Valparaiso.
The Broncos are on the road for their next contest, traveling to the east side of the state to face Detroit on Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. WMU returns to Kalamazoo to host St. Mary's on Oct. 3 at 4 p.m.
