KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Western Michigan men's soccer team scored off a Xavier University own goal six minutes into overtime to prevail 2-1 over the Musketeers during its final non-conference match of the 2018 season on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at WMU Soccer Complex. 

Western Michigan, now 8-5-2 overall, traded goals with Xavier in both halves before the Brown & Gold secured their first overtime victory of the season.

"It was a story of two halves and the conditions played a factor," said head coach Chad Wiseman. "We were very good in the first 45 minutes and probably left a goal or two out there."  

The Broncos controlled the majority of play in the first half and took a 1-0 lead just under 24 minutes in. Paul Liagre managed to make a great play from the right corner, sending a cross in over Xavier defenders onto the foot of Mike Melaragni for his second of the season. 

WMU held a 4-2 lead in corner kicks while shots were 3-3 and the home team did not allow a shot on goal from the Musketeers heading into the break. During a windy day at WMU Soccer Complex, the momentum swung in the visitors' favor in the second half. 

Xavier came out strong in the second frame and tied the game at 1-1 10 minutes in. A WMU handball inside of the box granted the Musketeers a penalty box, in which Samson Sergi converted past Lukas Von Lienen. 

The Broncos ended up mostly playing defense for the rest of regulation, as Xavier outshot WMU 10-2 in the second half. However, the Western Michigan back line held strong, along with Von Lienen tallying two saves to force the overtime period. 

"The second half was a different story," Wiseman commented. "Xavier pinned us in for long stretches and really controlled the entire period. We had a couple counters but no really good chances at goal. Lukas had a big save with about 15 minutes left to keep us in the game." 

Six minutes into the overtime frame, a Musketeer foul gave WMU a free kick around 10 yards outside of midfield. Von Lienen took the free kick and booted an arching ball into the box that deflected off a Xavier defender into the goal for the overtime game-winner.  

"We will take the OT goal and enjoy the victory," Wiseman said. "Xavier probably deserved more from the game. There is something to be said about finding ways to win games and today we did just that. I am proud of the guys for finding the result today."

Next up, the Broncos will begin a three-game stretch of Saturday Mid-American Conference contests, heading to Bowling Green State University on Oct. 20. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Bowling Green, Ohio.