KALAMAZOO, Mich. --  The Western Michigan men's soccer team clinched its first ever regular season Missouri Valley Conference championship on Senior Day after defeating Belmont swiftly 5-0 behind goals from Carson Hodgson, Charlie Sharp, and Dylan Sing. 

The Broncos established their dominance within the game's first 20 seconds Friday afternoon from a goal scored by Carson Hodgson off assisting teammates Landon Fisher and Charlie Sharp. Less than 10 minutes later, Hodgson would strike again off an assist from Sharp and Carson's brother Tanner Hodgson.

"I am very happy for the team, their performance today was of a championship level. To do it on Senior Day makes it that more special", said head coach Chad Wiseman. "Bringing the Missouri Valley tournament to Kalamazoo for the first time is really exciting for our athletic department and soccer community. Our first half today was absolutely brilliant, we moved the ball well, we were strong on the ball and had some great 3-4 man combinations that created great chances at goal. I need to give a shout out to our women's program, their performance yesterday was awesome! MAC champs!", concluded Wiseman. 

The Brown and Gold would continue to pile on goals, almost 10 minutes after Hodgson's strike. Sharp would score the third goal of the half to give the Brown and Gold a 3-0 advantage. With Sharp's goal, he now owns a share of the program record with Dan Edwards (1991-94) for the most goals in program history. Overall in the first half, Western Michigan would double up the Bruins in the shooting department 10-5.

"I'm excited for the future of what this team can do. It was a bit underwhelming of a result because of the 5-0 game," Noted Sharp, "I think after the 4-0 first half of the game everyone knew the game was finished. However, it was really awesome to get all 14 seniors in today with it being Senior Day", explained the captain. "You couldn't have asked for a better day for our seniors and getting performances out of the seniors. We are looking forward to hosting the MVC tournament at home and to see what we can do. We need to keep doing what we are doing as we are in a good groove right now with 15 straight games unbeaten. When it comes to college soccer it's unheard of. This team is really special, we are really tight off the field and everyone gets along. I have a really big belief in this group: If we keep showing up everyday with the mentality that we can win any game that we are matched up against I think I like our chances", concluded Sharp.   

Sing would close out the first half barrage with a goal in the 30th minute off assisting teammates Sharp and Carson Hodgson. 

"I think we had a huge result", explained defender Nick Stone. "We really need to focus on the tournament and make sure that we get an at-large bid. We definitely have bigger things ahead of us than the MVC tournament. But with our offense and our defensive line, we are doing really well right now. We need to keep moving and focusing on the tournament. I think if we keep focusing on that, big things will happen when we get into the NCAA tournament". 

"It's a great way to cap off a really good regular season", said goalkeeper Ethan Brandt. "I think it's huge to have home field advantage in the MVC tournament. Team's are coming in scared of us to play here and we are going to take it one game at a time". Today WMU recorded its ninth shutout of the season which one away from the third most shutouts in a season for the program. Additionally, today's shutout marks the third time in program history that the Brown and Gold would achieve shutouts at the double-digit mark. 

Heading into the season Missouri State was picked to win the 2023 MVC title, with Western projected to finish second. "I think it makes you more hungry", said midfielder Landon Fisher on the poll, "You have a good team in Missouri State and some other teams in the Valley that have respect throughout the season. It makes us hungry and always pushes us to come into our games to be as good as we can possibly be. Today it showed why we deserve to be where we are at. It was an awesome day, we had a great start and with Senior Day and our 14 guys, it's a great way to top it off for them". 

"Winning the title has been something we were planning for since last season. We knew we were bringing players back and new players in. We are fully expecting to have a good chance in the tournament".  Added defender Dante Bailey.

Some of the graduate student transfers on this year's squad took a moment to reflect on their journey and what the Western Michigan men's soccer program has meant to them. 

Graduate student midfielder Tom Cooklin noted, "I know the guys last year won a championship, but for me I had never won a championship at my old school. A big reason for me coming here was to win a championship. I am really happy and proud of that. It shows great character from the guys that were here last year to have that hunger and determination to win another championship straight off the bat. We went into this season expecting to win the conference championship". 

As for graduate student defender Will Perkins, he took a moment to cherish the win and his journey as a collegiate player: "Everybody on the team played amazing this year and we stuck together on and off the field. I can't thank my teammates enough for being there for me and working hard throughout the season. Having Missouri State ranked higher than us helped us more, working from the bottom and making it all the way to the top of the conference when people thought we weren't good enough. I think by being counted out it helped us in the end. Right now I feel magnificent. I have never won a championship before in my college career. To come back after a bit of time off and to win one with a team from my home state is magnificent". 

Up Next 
The Brown and Gold will conclude the regular season against Bradley on the road Wednesday, November 1, at 8:00 PM.