KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan men's soccer team defeated in-state rival University of Oakland 5-0 Wednesday evening behind goals from Noah James, Dylan Sing, Carson Hodgson, and four assists from Tom Cooklin.  

Today's win continued Western Michigan's historic dominance over in-state opponents.  

"I believe that's 15-0 in the state of Michigan since 2018", recalled Wiseman.  

After a much quiet first half on the offensive front freshman Noah James would spark the Bronco offense after his game-winning goal with under a minute to play in the first frame. On Wednesday, James would score his first goal of his Bronco career off an assist from Cooklin.

"I think the win streak is amazing for us", said Cooklin, "Playing against in-state teams gives us that additional motivation, and coach puts a lot of emphasis on the rivalries. For us as a program, we value being the best team in Michigan. We try to take it game by game, that's our mentality. If we start thinking too far into the future we lose track of our next opponent", concluded Cooklin. 

Using the momentum created by James, the Brown and Gold saw a four-goal second-half outburst, led by Sing and Hodgson to put the game away for good. The four-goal second half allowed the Broncos to score five goals in a game for the third time this season.  

"Congratulations to Noah on scoring his first collegiate goal!" Celebrated Wiseman, "We had a great performance from the boys today: They controlled the tempo of the game, moved the ball well, and created a lot of chances." 

As a team, Western Michigan outshout the Grizzlies 25-1 on the offensive front. On the defensive third of the field, the Broncos continued to lock down their offensive threat.
"The in-state win is a big achievement for us as a program, we value being the best team in Michigan", added Cooklin. 

Goalkeepers Ethan Brandt and Sean O'Meara saw zero shots on target during the entirety of the contest on Wednesday, adding a seventh clean sheet on the season. 
   
"I really like that we started and finished each half. We found some goals off set pieces and the run of play today and it's nice to have Tom back and available for today's game. He is a talented, proven player and today with his four assists, I am very happy for him", complemented Wiseman. Today, his four assists marked a career best for Cooklin in the victory.   
"Homecoming is upon us, let's welcome all our Bronco alumni in Kalamazoo this week!", concluded Wiseman. 

Historical Notes
The Broncos continued their undefeated run after losing to #12 ranked University of Vermont on August 24, a month and a half ago. Western Michigan has now completed 11 games without a loss which is tied for the program record for the most games without a defeat. The record has been set during the 1983-84 season, 2017 campaign, and now today.
 
Sing continues to pick apart defensive lines at will: Today improved his career-best and program-best goal-scoring streak to an eighth straight game with a goal. 

Up Next
The Brown and Gold will host Drake University for Homecoming on Saturday, October 14, at 12:00 PM at WMU Soccer Complex. Live Stats and livestream information are available under the men's soccer schedule.