KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan women's soccer team pushed its home unbeaten streak to 22 games with a 2-0 victory over Valparaiso on Sunday afternoon at the WMU Soccer Complex. The win pushed the Brown and Gold's record to 2-0-2 on the season.
Sophia Bowman and
Tessa Fagerson provided the goals for the Broncos, while
Kate Sheridan picked up her first win of the season in net.
FIRST HALF
WMU came out aggressive, getting an early chance from
Camryn Huhn on the right side of the goal. Her shot was handled by the Valpo keeper. A little bit later,
Olivia Smith had a look blocked out front off of a corner kick.
Western Michigan's persistence would eventually pay off, as Fagerson played a great ball into the box that Bowman was able to push into the net for a goal. The tally was her second of the season and put the Broncos in front 1-0 in the 23rd minute.
As the game progressed, the Brown and Gold continued to apply pressure.
Reese Lynn and
Meredith Vance each had quality chances down the stretch, but the score would remain 1-0 in favor of the home team as the game hit halftime.
SECOND HALF
Western Michigan didn't slow down in the second 45 minutes, with Bowman firing a ball at the net in the 52nd minute. The Valpo goaltender was in position to make the stop.
Kailah Newcomb then tried her luck and had a shot saved in the 55th minute.
Later,
Kaiya Stewart nearly added to the lead. However, her point-blank shot was blocked by a Beacons defender in the 62nd minute. Valparaiso found some offense in the later stages of the second half, hitting the crossbar in the 72nd minute. Sheridan was then there to make a stop for the Broncos in the 73rd minute.
With time winding down, the Broncos would put the nail in the coffin. Smith stole the ball at midfield and played a nice through ball to Fagerson. She did the rest and pushed the lead to 2-0 in favor of the Brown and Gold.
Valpo threatened in the closing minutes, but Sheridan and the WMU defense were there to slam the door on a 2-0 victory.
UP NEXT
The Broncos will remain at home for a match against Illinois on Sept. 3. The two teams will hit the field at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
