PEORIA, Ill. – The Western Michigan men's soccer team battled through the rain to a 3-2 victory against the Bradley Braves.

Three Broncos scored in their first road win and Missouri Valley Conference win of the 2025 season. It was a big night for the WMU forwards despite rainy conditions through all 90 minutes on Saturday evening. Seniors Jonathan Stout, Roni Sylejmani, and sophomore Sahel Yessen each added a score in the Brown and Gold's victory. Yessen also led Western Michigan in shots with five attempts and points as he added an assist in the second half.  

The Broncos struck early at Shea Stadium with a goal in the sixth minute of the match. Stout set himself right in front of the Braves goalkeeper, knocking in a rebound to the bottom left corner for his fourth goal of the season. Yessen picked up his third assist of 2025 on the goal as he took the initial shot. WMU kept the momentum on the field, outshooting Bradley 11 to three with six chances on goal.

The Brown and Gold began the second frame almost identical to the first, adding their second goal of the match in the first two minutes. This time Yessen took the ball up the attacking third on his own after a Braves turnover at the 18 for his second goal of the season. Western Michigan wasn't able to earn its second shutout in a row as Bradley scored in the 60^th minute of the match.

But the Broncos quickly answered with a score of their own as forward Roni Sylejmani tipped in his second goal of the year. The scoring didn't end there as the Braves added a second goal in the final six minutes of the match. Bradley converted on a penalty kick opportunity, getting within a goal of tying WMU. The Brown and Gold were able to hold off the Braves, keeping the home team's last two shots from ending up on goal.

Western Michigan returns home to Kalamazoo next week for a midday match. The Broncos will host the Bowling Green Falcons at WMU Soccer Complex on Saturday, Oct. 25. Kickoff from the Farm is set for 12 p.m.