Morgantown, W.V. - The Western Michigan men's soccer team opened its 2019 Mid-American Conference schedule with a 3-1 road victory at West Virginia. The Broncos have now won their last four matches, improving to 8-4 overall on the season. The Mountaineers, who are the defending MAC regular season champions, fall to 6-5-1 overall. 

"I'm extremely proud of the effort and execution the guys showed today," said assistant coach Josh Ross. "West Virginia is a tough road trip and getting conference points on the road is crucial. Leaving here with all three points is fantastic."

The Broncos got on the board in the 15th minute via an own goal. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Isaac Walker made three saves in the first half to keep West Virginia off the score sheet after 45 minutes of play. 

"I think we were able to get the game played on our terms for long stretches and disrupt the normal rhythm that they wanted to play with," Ross stated. "We had a game plan on how we needed to attack and defend them and the players executed it very well."

Sophomore forward Eric Conerty extended the Bronco lead in the 60th minute, scoring his third goal of the season. Sophomore midfielder Caden Jackman was credited with the assist, picking up his first point of the 2019 campaign. 

The Mountaineers cut Western Michigan's advantage in half with less than ten minutes remaining in regulation, but freshman midfielder Charlie Sharp put the Broncos back up by two shortly after to secure the win. Sharp, who scored his second tally in as many games, is now tied with senior midfielder Anthony Bowie for the team lead in goals with five.

"I'm very happy with our ability to fight through tough moments today," Ross remarked. "West Virginia found a late goal and sometimes that can make those last minutes very dicey, but our leadership helped pull us together. Charlie showed an incredible individual effort to get that third goal to put the game out of reach."

Walker, who has been in net for the Broncos in their last four victories, earned his sixth win of the year and is currently allowing less than one goal per game through ten appearances. 

"This was a huge win on the road for us and a great way to open up MAC play," said Ross. "This team continues to show that they can compete and win big games against some of the best teams in the country."

Western Michigan will head to Ann Arbor for a non-conference contest against #29 Michigan on Thursday. 

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