NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Western Michigan men's soccer team earned its spot in the NCAA National Tournament Sweet Sixteen for the second time in program history, blanking No. 9 seeded Lipscomb 1-0 in the second round Sunday at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.
The Bronco's (16-2-2) lone goal was scored in the 70th minute by senior defender
Daniel Nimick with an assist from midfielder
Eric Conerty. Graduate transfer
Hunter Morse made seven saves to earn WMU's 12th shutout of the season. Western Michigan shot 10-14 against Lipscomb overall and 4-7 for shots on goal.
The teams traded punches throughout the first minutes of the match while the squads found the game. Western Michigan started the shots for the day in the fifth minute. Shortly after the Bison would respond, trading shot for shot as the game continued.
"What a performance for the boys today. Lipscomb is a great team, having a great season. They posed different challenges today than Louisville did on Thursday," Head Coach
Chad Wiseman said.
"That's two trips to the Sweet Sixteen in five years. That is a great achievement, one that probably deserves more recognition from all media outlets."
Momentum shifted in the 70th minute when the Broncos took a 1-0 lead off a set piece. A flighted corner kick taken by Conerty met the head of Nimick giving Western Michigan the breakthrough they had been searching for. Nimick's header landed far post propelling past the Bison keeper. The Bronco's 70th-minute goal tallies 43 goals in the 2022 season, tying the Western Michigan program record.
"For Conerty to deliver the assist on Daniel's game-winning goal is so fitting in so many ways for our program," Coach Wiseman added.
Nimick's goal makes eight goals on the season, five of which are game-winning goals. His five game-winning goals tie him for fifth in the NCAA. Conerty's assist tallies 11 on the season, tying him for seventh in the NCAA.
"On Selection Show Monday, we told everyone we are a confident team. A team that expects to win in the NCAA Tournament. A team with phenomenal leadership," Coach Wiseman said.
"The boys showed up and from where I sit as their coach, I am not surprised at all. We have some of the best players in college soccer and they continue to show everyone exactly who they are."
Despite Lipscomb's efforts, the Broncos held the Bison to four shots on goal in the final 20 minutes, adding four more saves and securing its appearance in the Sweet Sixteen.
"All the credit needs to go to the players. We bring home two road victories after playing on short rest. Their ability to adjust and adapt to what the game calls for is special."
Western Michigan will go on to face the winner of Portland and No. 8 Oregon State in the Sweet Sixteen. Kickoff and location to be determined.
