KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The ninth-ranked Western Michigan University men's soccer team will host Missouri Valley Conference foe Bradley University on Saturday, October 26, at WMU Soccer Complex. Kickoff is slated for noon and the game will be streamed on Bronco All-Access. Admission to the contest is free.
Last Time Out / WMU's Unbeaten Streak
On Tuesday, October 22, WMU extended its incredible unbeaten streak to an incredible 36th game without a loss behind a 4-1 road victory over in-state rival Detroit Mercy. The victory over the Titans marked the program's 17th straight victory over State of Michigan opponents. The Brown and Gold have not lost to an in-state opponent since Sept 7th, 2018. The feat is the longest win streak over opponents in the state of Michigan in the history of college soccer on the men's side.
In the win, graduate student midfielder Owen Smith tied Jonathan Robinson (2023), and Giuliano Teixeira (2003) for the most assists by a member of the Brown and Gold in a single season.
On Tuesday Team Captain Landon Fisher tied former WMU Captain Mike Melaragni (2018-22) for the second-most appearances for the Broncos with 78 and counting. Tomorrow when Fisher steps on the pitch at WMU Soccer Complex, he will own the second most appearances for the men's soccer team and only trail WMU alumni duo Charlie Sharp ('23) and Dylan Sing ('23) for the most appearances (89) in program history.
Scouting Bradley
The Braves travel to Kalamazoo with a record of 4-7-2 on the season. This year, Bradley has defeated Chicago State, Western Illinois, Purdue Fort Wayne, and Belmont. In their four victories, Bradley has achieved four shutouts and has outscored their opponents 7-0. In the final third, the Braves are led by sophomore forward Mitch Coughlon. In 13 games this season, Coughlon paces the Braves with eight points behind three goals (one game-winner) and two assists.
Gaining Momentum
Since the week seven United Soccer Coaches Poll (October 8), the men's soccer team has captured three consecutive wins and has found themselves ranked ninth in the entire nation. Over their three-game win streak, The Brown and Gold have outscored opponents at an impressive rate of 8-2.
Series History
The Brown and Gold enter the match with a 5-3-1 series lead over the Braves since 1995. Since the 2012 season, WMU has boasted a four-game unbeaten streak over Bradley and has outscored the Braves 6-2 over the four matches. Last year, WMU defeated Bradley on the road 2-0 on November 1, behind second-half goals from Roni Sylejmani and WMU alum Tom Cooklin.
For all things WMU men's soccer, make sure to follow the team on Instagram, @wmu_menssoccer, X, @WMUMensSoccer, and Facebook, @wmumenssoccer.
