DURHAM, New Hampshire — The Western Michigan men's soccer team continued its electric start to the 2024 season with a 1-0 road victory over the ninth-ranked University of New Hampshire Sunday. In the victory, Connor Burkett led the Broncos with the game-winning goal, while Colin Welsh recorded his first shutout as a member of the Brown and Gold. 

In the 35th minute of the contest, Burkett buried his goal into the back of the New Hampshire net off assisting Broncos Gabe Villagomez and Owen Smith. Burkett's goal marked Villagomez's first career assist, while Smith notched his second assist as a Bronco. 

"I am so happy for Connor Burkett, he has worked very hard over the last few years and has had some big moments early in the season," said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. "As a coach you love to see your players get rewarded for their hard work." 

Today, New Hampshire corralled 21 shots against the Brown and Gold, with zero reaching the back of the Bronco net. 

"Bronco fans got a great look at Colin Welsh tonight. He is very talented and a big reason we're flying home with a victory." praised Wiseman. 

Wiseman expressed the toughness that WMU displayed on the pitch as Wildcat Field is one of the most challenging away environments to play in college soccer,  "To get a result, none other a win…Just look at their record at home. It's very impressive." said Wiseman. 

New Hampshire boasted an amazing record of 18-4-2 in their last 24 games at home leading into today's contest. As a team, UNH entered the match ranked ninth in the nation.

"What an opening weekend, two top 15 victories over programs that were in the NCAA Sweet 16 last year, it's extremely impressive." Wiseman emphasized, "We need to give our captain Landon Fisher big praise for how he has connected this team at this point in the season". 

Fisher has taken the reins as the Bronco's leader. As a sixth-year team captain, Fisher, a vital member of WMU's emergence, entered the 2024 campaign with over 60 games played with the Brown and Gold and has been a world of difference in WMU's last two Sweet 16 appearances. 

Most recently during the 2023 campaign, Fisher recorded the game-winning assist in WMU's 2-1 road victory over 15 seed Duke on November 19, which sent the Brown and Gold to the Sweet 16 for the third time in program history.  

"Our goal came against the run of play, in saying that, we're always very dangerous on set pieces and today it was the difference. We were not at our best today and a lot of that should be credited to New Hampshire and their players. They are a very talented team." concluded Wiseman.  

Historical Notes

With WMU's win, coach Wiseman secured victory 125 with the Brown and Gold. Wiseman is now tied with Blake Glass (1983-1997) for the most coaching wins in program history. 

WMU extended its remarkable program record unbeaten streak to 23 games without a loss. 

Up Next

The Brown and Gold will host rival Akron University at WMU Soccer Complex Friday, August 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.