KALAMAZOO, Mich. —  The Western Michigan men's soccer team defeated the 14th nationally ranked University of Vermont 3-1 Thursday at WMU Soccer Complex. In the win, graduate student forward Greyson Mercer supplied two goals, while redshirt freshman defender Christian Shannon netted his first career goal for the Brown and Gold.

The Broncos wasted no time getting on the scoreboard Thursday, as Mercer secured his first goal as a member of the Brown and Gold 38 seconds into regulation. The forward drilled a left-footed shot into the back of the net and set the tone for the men's soccer team. 

However, Vermont would respond less than a minute later to tie the game up at 1-1. With momentum seesawing back and forth, redshirt freshman Christian Shannon delivered in the 28th minute by netting his first collegiate goal to reclaim the Bronco lead. Shannon would bury his goal into the Vermont net off a service from assisting teammate Owen Smith.

To put a stamp on the contest, Mercer supplied his second goal of the match in the 39th minute, from assisting Broncos Connor Burkett and Braxton Arpachinda. Mercer's second goal of the half marked his first career multi-goal game. 

Despite being limited to three shots in the second half, the Brown and Gold relied on their defensive prowess to maintain their lead. Overall, Vermont managed to strike only three shots on target in the entirety of the contest. 

Debuts

With Coach Chad Wiseman's revamped roster, the Brown and Gold featured new faces up and down the lineup this afternoon. Today, Broncos Shannon, Mercer, Smith, Colin Welsh, Duarte Chapelas, Emiel Nieuwhof, and Gabe Villagomez all made their first appearance for the WMU men's soccer program. 

Historical Notes 

With WMU's victory, Coach Wiseman improved to 124 wins during his tenure with the Brown and Gold. Wiseman is now two victories away from owning the program's all-time coaching wins title, which has been held by Blake Glass (1983-1997, 125 wins) since 1996.

The last time the Brown and Gold captured a season-opening win was on February 17, 2021, against Butler. 

The men's soccer team scored three goals in a season opener for the first time since August 25, 2017, in WMU's 3-2 win over LIU Brooklyn. 

With his assist in the first minute to Mercer, Hodgson moved his career total to 15 and counting. Hodgson is now one assist away from tying Eric Conerty (2019-22) for the ninth most assists created in program history. 

WMU extended its incredible program-record winning streak at WMU Soccer Complex. Today's win marked the men's soccer team's 10th consecutive victory in Kalamazoo.  

Up Next

The Brown and Gold will travel to Durham, New Hampshire and face #9 University of New Hampshire on Sunday, August 25. Kickoff is scheduled at 6:00 PM and the game will be available on ESPN+.