KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The #13 Western Michigan men's soccer team defeated the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay 2-0 at WMU Soccer Complex Tuesday afternoon. The victory marked the program's 25th consecutive game in which they limited opponents to one goal or fewer. In the win, graduate student midfielder Owen Smith and junior defender Emiel Nieuwhof supplied the two goals for WMU.
Neither team was able to capitalize in the first 45 minutes of Tuesday's contest. The Broncos continued to strengthen their defensive identity and limited Green Bay to only one shot on target prior to intermission. As a team, the Phoenix were limited to a total of three shots in the first half.
In the final third, WMU created many chances in the first 45 minutes of action but were unable to find the ball in the back of the net.
After intermission, Smith and Nieuwhof delivered two second-half goals to close the door on Tuesday's action.
Entering the 65th minute of play, Smith broke the 0-0 tie behind a beautifully placed cross from defender Asher Barnes. During Smith's goal, midfielder Carson Hodgson was credited with a second assist. Over his last four games, the midfielder has averaged four assists per contest.
"We had a very complete performance today. By generating a lot of offensive chances, we were able to turn those into a couple of goals. At the same time, we gave nothing up defensively." Explained WMU men's soccer head coach Chad Wiseman.
20 minutes later WMU tacked on a second goal, this time by the defender Nieuwhof.
"Congratulations to Emiel on his first Bronco goal! What a strike it was, that will light up the film room later this week." Celebrated Wiseman.
Nieuwhof's goal propelled the men's soccer team to consecutive games in which they scored at least two goals for the first time this season.
Historical Notes
In the win, The Brown and Gold extended their record breaking unbeaten streak to 35 games without a loss.
Today, Hodgson tied Brandon Bye (2014-17) and Craig Haynes (1986-89) for the sixth most assists all-time in program history with his 19th assist as a Bronco.
In the win, team Captain Landon Fisher tied Zach Bock (2014-17) and Scott Duhl (2000-03) for the third most appearances as a member of the Brown and Gold with 77 and counting.
With Nieuwhof's goal in the 85th minute, 14 Broncos have scored in a single season for the first time since 2019.
After Welsh earned credit for a second assist during Nieuwhof's goal, 15 Broncos have recorded at least one assist in 2024. The last time 15 members of the Brown and Gold tallied 15 assists was during the 2019 season too.
Up Next
The Brown and Gold will travel to Detroit, Michigan, to take on the Detroit Mercy Titans on Tuesday, October 22 at 7:00 PM. The game will be available on ESPN +.
