DURHAM, N.C. -- On Sunday evening, the dynamic forward duo of Charlie Sharp and Dylan Sing propelled the Western Michigan men's soccer team to a 2-1 overtime victory over Duke. The victory Sunday would capture the program's second consecutive Sweet 16 berth.  

"What a sweet victory! All the credit goes to the boys.  Duke was undefeated at home this year, our guys came into Durham and came out victorious which no other program in the country has done this year," Exclaimed head coach Chad Wiseman. 

Both the Broncos and Blue Devils would find themselves in a standstill for the first half hour Sunday before Duke pulled ahead with a one-goal lead in the closing 10 minutes of the first half Sunday evening. The Broncos, led by an experienced squad, locked down on the defensive end and prohibited Duke from adding to their lead to close out the half. 

Against the hostile Duke environment, the men's soccer team banded together behind its experienced leadership to diminish the Blue Devil's lead. Later in the 67th minute, Sing and Tom Cooklin capitalized on the Blue Devil defense to even up the score at one-all. Cooklin would find Sing, who in turn propelled the Brown and Gold to a 1-1 deadlock with Duke as the match entered its final third of regulation Sunday.  

For the remainder of regulation, neither team would gain an advantage over the other.  
  
As the first overtime period began, the senior forward Sharp ripped an emphatic shot into the back of the Blue Devil net to put the Broncos ahead during the third minute Sunday. Sharp's goal would extend his program goals record with his 19th on the year and the 41st of his career. During Sharp's goal, Carson Hodgson and Landon Fisher were credited with assists. 

Entering tonight's contest, the dynamic duo of Sharp and Sing ranked first and fifth in points among active players in NCAA Division I men's soccer and first and second this season in the goals department. Sharp had totaled an NCAA-best 104 total points, while Sing began the evening with 84 points. 

"Charlie and Dylan were on point once again today. They each found a goal, but most importantly, they dictated how the game was going to be played.  It's very impressive to watch," credited Wiseman. 

Additionally, goalkeeper Ethan Brandt made three saves during the evening and provided a clutch stop in the 77th minute to keep the score tied at one all in regulation crunch time. Brandt and the Broncos backline have been phenomenal this season: During the team's last 13 games (since Tuesday, September 26), Western Michigan has conceded more than one goal once. 

"Bronco nation turned out today, they traveled in from all over to cheer on a Bronco victory, at times they took over the crowd, it was awesome to see." said Wiseman.   

Historical Notes: For the first time in program history, the men's soccer team will be playing in the Sweet 16 for a second consecutive year. Overall, the Brown and Gold have made three Sweet 16 appearances: First in 2017, last year in 2022, and now this season.  Additionally, the men's soccer team set a new program winning streak of 10 consecutive wins. Last year, the Brown and Gold set a previous program record of nine consecutive wins. 

Up Next: Western Michigan will face Notre Dame in the Sweet 16 this year on Sunday, November 26, at 5:00 PM. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.