KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The #11 Western Michigan University men's soccer team will host The University of Olivet on Tuesday, September 31, at WMU Soccer Complex. The game kicks off at 5:00 PM and will stream on Bronco All-Access. For tickets, visit https://wmubroncos.evenue.net/events/SOC.
Last Time Out
The Brown and Gold extended their record-breaking unbeaten streak to a 31st game without a loss after tying the RV Missouri State Bears 1-1 Saturday afternoon at WMU Soccer Complex. In the tie, redshirt junior Roni Sylejmani scored his fourth goal of the 2024 campaign and extended his season high in the goal-scoring department. During Sylejmani's goal, sophomore forward Noah James and graduate student defender Asher Barnes were credited with assists. With Barnes earning his first assist of the year, at least 12 Broncos have now assisted a teammate during the course of the season for nine consecutive years.
WMU's Unbeaten Streak
The Brown and Gold look to push their record-breaking unbeaten streak to a 31st game without a loss Tuesday. Through the team's first 10 games this season, WMU has outscored its opponents 21-8 and boasts the ninth-highest goal differential in the NCAA. The men's soccer team last suffered a defeat over a calendar year ago, on August 24, 2023, versus #12 University of Vermont.
Heating Up
Entering the match, graduate student midfielder Owen Smith is tied for the third most assists in the NCAA with seven and counting. To begin the season, Smith has recorded two multi-assist games.
As for Missouri Valley Conference Preseason All-Conference honoree, junior Carson Hodgson, the midfielder has scored three game-winning goals thus far in 2024 and is tied for the second most game-winners in the entire NCAA.
Overall, WMU ranks fourth in the nation with 2.9 assists per game and eighth in total points created (71).
Scouting Olivet
Entering Tuesday's contest, WMU's incoming foe carries a 5-3 record. After starting the season 5-1, the group has lost two straight contests. Offensively, Olivet is paced by freshman forward Abraham Jimenez. In eight games played (two starts) Jimenez has accumulated seven points (three goals, one assist).
Series History
Olivet and the Brown and Gold will meet for the third time in series history. With the men's soccer team leading the series 2-0, the two programs will square off for the first time since 1983.
For all things WMU men's soccer, make sure to follow the team's socials on Instagram @wmu_menssoccer, X, @wmumenssoccer, and Facebook @wmumenssoccer.
