Men's Soccer | August 25, 2019

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan men's soccer team puts its training to the test with a road contest at Notre Dame on Monday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
 
The exhibition clash will be the final for both squads before regular season play begins on Friday.
 
Looking Back at Wright State
Western Michigan freshman midfielder Brennan Creek cracked the scoreboard for the only time August 18 as the Broncos held off Wright State 1-0 in exhibition action. Creek pushed in a loose ball with just under three minutes remaining in the first half to provide the match's lone goal. On the scoring play, Wright State goalie Joel Sundell had the ball in his hands before dropping it with Creek standing nearby to pick up the tally. Sophomore goalkeeper Lukas Von Lienen went the full 90 minutes and was credited with one save in the performance.
 
A Bronco Family Affair
Creek is no stranger to Western Michigan, growing up in Kalamazoo and with a parent who was also a Bronco. Creek's father, John, was a kicker for the Western Michigan football program, helping the team to the 1988 MAC championship and finishing in the top six in multiple career categories, including career PATs (105), field goals made (42) and points by a kicker (231). John now is the color analyst for WMU football games on the Bronco Radio Network.
 
Sophomore forward Eric Conerty also has a family connection to the Broncos as his brother, Sean, played for the soccer program in 2014 and 2015, earning first team all-MAC honors both years.
 
About the Fighting Irish
Notre Dame is coming off an outstanding 2018 season that saw it advance to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals before falling to Indiana. The Fighting Irish finished No. 8 in the United Soccer Coaches poll and opened 2019 at No. 9. The top two scorers from 2018 are gone, but Ian Aschieris, who finished tied for third in points with 11, returns. Senior goalkeeper Duncan Turnbull is back after playing in 10 matches and posting a 6-2-2 ledger last fall.
 
In exhibition action, Notre Dame fell at Marquette on Wednesday by a 2-1 final. Aschieris found the back of the net in the 35th minute by knocking in a shot from the right side of the box after a Felicien Dumas shot ricocheted out from the six-yard box. Connor Alba gave the Golden Eagles the win by striking right after the half, scoring from the right side in the 49th minute.
 
Annual Soccer Fest Set
The Broncos will host their Soccer Fest on Monday, September 2. The annual event will allow fans to tailgate on the WMU Practice Field from 12:30-3 p.m. with kickoff versus Niagara set for 3 p.m. Admission for the tailgate is $20 Adult, $10 (12 & under) or free (3 & under) while game admission is free. At this year's tailgate event, fans are welcome to enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, including adult beverages (a selection of beer & wine), bubble soccer, face painting, a soccer dart board, a team meet and greet and the opportunity to dress up like a bronco.
 
Up Next
Western Michigan will open the regular season Friday with a 7 p.m. clash at Butler. A year ago, the No. 9 Bulldogs downed the Broncos 2-0.
 
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