KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan men's soccer team (3-4-4) continues their non-conference stint this week, hosting Michigan State. The Spartans (5-5-2) enter Kalamazoo fresh off of a win over No. 24 Rutgers.
WHERE TO WATCH
Wednesday's contest at the WMU Soccer Complex against Michigan State can be streamed via ESPN+.
SCOUTING THE SPARTANS
Prior to besting Rutgers, Michigan State experienced a few bumps in the road, having dropped their previous three matches. Sunday was a different story, however, as the Spartans battled the Scarlet Knights for 107 minutes of game time to secure the 2-1 double overtime win.
The game's first score came in the 29th minute as redshirt junior defender Will Perkins bent a cross shot past the Rutgers goalkeeper. The deciding goal came 78 minutes later, this time from sophomore midfielder Jack Zugay off of a set-up from junior forward Gianni Ferri.
The Spartans sent in a total of 20 shots against Rutgers, nine of which coming from senior forward Farai Mutatu. Senior midfielder Michael Miller also added three shots. Redshirt senior goalkeeper Hunter Morse kept the Spartans in the game as well, registering seven saves throughout the contest.
REMAINING CONFIDENT
The Broncos will prepare for Michigan State after an exciting double overtime victory over Oakland last week that was capped off by a header from senior forward Mike Melaragni in the 101st minute of play.
Following the win, head coach Chad Wiseman placed a good deal of emphasis on his team's confidence being a factor in the victory. "Confidence is a dangerous thing and we've been lacking it a little bit. Now we get a result to go our way, so hopefully that can instill some confidence into some of our players," Wiseman said following the win over Oakland.
Wiseman doubled down on confidence being a factor as the interview went on: "I think that's the biggest thing right now, we need some confidence. We're a good team, and we've showed it for little periods here and there throughout the season so far. But maybe [the win] will get us going a little bit."
ON THE HORIZON
After taking on Michigan State, the Broncos finish their home stand with a homecoming Saturday special against West Virginia. Kick-off against the Mountaineers on Oct. 16 is scheduled for 12 p.m. and can be streamed via Bronco All-Access.
