COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Western Michigan University men's soccer concluded the 2024 season after suffering a 2-1 loss in the NCAA Tournament second round at #1 seed Ohio State Sunday evening. Graduate student midfielder Owen Smith scored the lone goal for The Brown and Gold.

The Broncos were limited to only one shot in the first 30 minutes of play in Columbus on Sunday. Despite OSU's defensive obstacles, the Broncos broke through the Buckeye backline in the 33rd minute of the match, with Smith heading in the go-ahead goal behind assisting teammates graduate student forward Greyson Mercer and junior defender Emiel Nieuwhof. 

With less than five minutes remaining in the first half, OSU tied the game up at 1-1 heading into the break. OSU led the corner kick advantage 7-2 in the first half, however, WMU's defense refused to break and entered halftime tied up at one.   

In the second half of Sunday's action, The Brown and Gold outshot The Buckeyes 5-4. Although WMU held a one-shot advantage over the Scarlet and Gray during the final 45 minutes of the contest, OSU scored the game-winning goal with 25 and a half minutes remaining in regulation.  

In the 77th minute, junior midfielder Ronan Wilcox delivered a shot at OSU's net, but his attempt was ultimately saved by OSU's keeper. 

With three and a half minutes remaining in regulation, Mercer fired off WMU's final shot of the match but could not connect with the back of OSU's net. 

Historical Notes  

The men's soccer team has reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive seasons, marking a new program record.