ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Western Michigan men's soccer team, down two goals with under 20 minutes remaining in the game, came back to tie the game 2-2 prior to falling 3-2 in overtime at the No. 21-ranked University of Michigan Friday, Oct. 7. 

The Broncos, 1-4 overall, despite breaking its three-game scoreless drought, suffered their fourth consecutive loss while putting forth a valiant comeback effort. Outshot 6-1 in the first 45 minutes, Western Michigan fought back to outshoot Michigan 6-4 in the second half while burying two goals to force the overtime period. 

"There are no moral victories in our program," said head coach Chad Wiseman. "We had a chance to win the game and simply couldn't make the play to do so."

Michigan went up 1-0 in the first half, backed by a goal at the 12th minute mark that was deflected off of a WMU defender in the 18-yard box. The Maize & Blue held a 6-1 shot advantage over the Broncos, while WMU led 2-1 in corner kicks heading into the break. 

Nearly halfway into the second half, the home team went up by two goals, heading one in off a free kick opportunity. Lukas Von Lienen, who earned his second consecutive start in net for the Broncos, was pulled and replaced by Elijah Michaels. 

Undeterred by the two-goal deficit, the Broncos responded with a goal eight minutes later, their first since the season opener. Donovan Michael recorded his first goal as a Bronco, who received the ball from Tommy Clark and tucked his shot past the Wolverine keeper far post. 

With the momentum on their side, the Brown & Gold tied the game up at 2-2 at the 82' mark. Ben Thornton scored his first of the season, cleaning up a rebound. Zack Shane was credited with the assist, his first collegiate point. 

Thornton received his second yellow card of the game with under two minutes left in regulation, forcing WMU to play with 10 men for the rest of the match. Michigan was able to capitalize seven minutes into overtime to prevail 3-2 over the Broncos. The loss marks the first to Michigan since the 2013 season. 

"We had a great 30 minute stretch in the second half, found a couple goals, and played hard to get back into the match," said Wiseman. "It was probably some of our best moments of the season thus far. Donovan had a great individual moment on his goal, turning two defenders and finishing. The red card really put us up against it in overtime. Concede three times and you won't win many college soccer games."

Next up, Western Michigan returns to WMU Soccer Complex to host Drake University on Sunday, Sept. 9. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.