#11 Men’s Soccer Continues Conference Play at Drake University

DES MOINES, Iowa – The #11 Western Michigan University men's soccer team begins its two-game road trip at Drake University on Saturday, October 5. Kickoff is scheduled at 3:00 PM and the contest will be available on ESPN+.

Last Time Out

The men's soccer team extended its unbeaten run to a 32nd game without a loss after a 7-0 win over The University of Olivet on Tuesday, October 1, at WMU Soccer Complex. In the victory, Connor Burkett, Amin Fernouchi, Greyson Mercer, Noah James, and Gabe Villagomez scored for the Brown and Gold.

In the victory, graduate student midfield captain Landon Fisher tied Anthony Bowie (2016-2019) for the fifth most appearances with the men's soccer team (74 games played). In the assist department, junior midfielder Carson Hodgson improved his career total to 18 and tied WMU alumni Jonathan Robinson (2022-23) and Tom Oatley (2004-07) for the seventh-best career assist output in program history.

Owen Smith Reclaims the NCAA Assists Crown

Entering the weekend showdown at Drake, Owen Smith paces the NCAA with 10 assists in 11 games played thus far in the 2024 season. Last time out versus Olivet, Smith produced a career-high three assists in the Brown and Gold's victory over the University of Olivet. The midfielder has reached the double-digit mark in the assist column for the first time in his career and is tied for the third most assists produced in a single season for the WMU men's soccer team.

Lock Down Defense

Through WMU's first 11 games into the 2024 campaign, senior goalkeeper Colin Welsh and the Brown and Gold have conceded no more than one goal per game. This year marks the first time in program history that WMU has allowed one goal or fewer in each of their first 11 games of the regular season.

Scouting Drake

In 10 games this season, Drake has compiled a 6-3-1 record (2-0 in the MVC) and boasts a 4-0 record at home. The x-factor behind Drake's hot start is junior Damian Segura: The midfielder paces Drake with five goals and 11 points in eight games played (six starts). After losing 2-1 at #12 Northwestern University on Friday, August 30, the Bulldogs have collectively bounced back by outscoring their opponents 13-5, en route to securing a 6-1-1 record over their past eight contests.

Series History

WMU enters the match with a 5-2 advantage over the Bulldogs since 1987. Overall, the men's soccer team carries a four-game win streak over Drake dating back to the 2016 season. During the Broncos win streak over the Bulldogs, the men's soccer team has outscored Drake 9-3. Last year on Saturday, October 14, WMU defeated the Bulldogs 3-0 at WMU Soccer Complex behind two goals from men's soccer alumni Charlie Sharp and Tom Cooklin.

For all things WMU men's soccer, make sure to follow the team's socials on Instagram @wmu_menssoccer, X, @wmumenssoccer, and Facebook @wmumenssoccer.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#3 Jonathan Robinson: D; 5' 8"; Redshirt Junior

#25 Charlie Sharp: F; 6' 5"; Senior

#7 Tom Cooklin: F/M; 5' 11"; Graduate Student

#11 Connor Burkett: MF; 5' 9"; Redshirt Junior

#4 Amin Fernouchi: D; 6' 3"; Graduate Student

#26 Landon Fisher: MF; 5' 10"; Graduate Student

#27 Carson Hodgson: MF; 5' 8"; Junior

#10 Noah James: MF; 6' 3"; Sophomore

#1 Colin Welsh: GK; 6' 2"; Senior

#7 Gabe Villagomez: CM; 5' 8"; Freshman

#17 Greyson Mercer: F; 6' 2"; Graduate Student

#3 Owen Smith: MF; 5' 8"; Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

#3 Jonathan Robinson
: 5' 8"; Redshirt Junior
: D

#25 Charlie Sharp
: 6' 5"; Senior
: F

#7 Tom Cooklin
: 5' 11"; Graduate Student
: F/M

#11 Connor Burkett
: 5' 9"; Redshirt Junior
: MF

#4 Amin Fernouchi
: 6' 3"; Graduate Student
: D

#26 Landon Fisher
: 5' 10"; Graduate Student
: MF

#27 Carson Hodgson
: 5' 8"; Junior
: MF

#10 Noah James
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: MF

#1 Colin Welsh
: 6' 2"; Senior
: GK

#7 Gabe Villagomez
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: CM

#17 Greyson Mercer
: 6' 2"; Graduate Student
: F

#3 Owen Smith
: 5' 8"; Graduate Student
: MF