Western Michigan University Athletics

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- The Western Michigan University men's soccer team fell to the RV Bryant Bulldogs 5-1 on Wednesday.

Sophomore midfielder Liam Biggers scored his second goal of the year in the Broncos loss at Bryant on Wednesday evening. Redshirt freshman defender Adam Matej Smolcic also recorded the first point of his WMU career by assisting on Biggers goal in the 76th minute. The Brown and Gold offense wasn't able to get around the Bulldogs stringent defense more than once, recording six shots through 90 minutes. Western Michigan's defense also had its hands full during the match, facing 22 shots from Bryant in the attacking third. 

The Bulldogs put the Broncos on their heels early, recording over half of Bryant's 22 shots in the first 45 minutes. Two shots went on goal early for the Bulldogs, including a penalty kick opportunity in the 28th minute. But redshirt senior goalkeeper Alex Lindewirth was able to make a diving save to the right for his first PK save of the year. While continuing a brisk attack, Bryant scored first in the 40th minute and soon doubled its lead in the 41st. Junior midfielder Gabe Villagomez was able to give WMU a close opportunity in the final seconds of the half, putting a shot on goal at the bottom left corner of the net.

Only a few seconds into the second half, the Bulldogs added to their lead with a third goal. After the goal, the Brown and Gold defense was able to lock in, limiting Bryant to only two shots over the next 30 minutes of play. During those 30 minutes, Western Michigan broke the shutout with Biggers second goal in the 76th minute. After being awarded a free kick near midfield, defender Christian Shannon booted the ball all the way to just inside the 18. Once in the penalty box, Matej Smolcic tapped the ball over to Biggers, who was able to get his foot on it while falling backwards for the Broncos lone goal of the night. But the final 10 minutes was difficult for WMU to close out as the Bulldogs added two more goals in route to a 5-1 final score. 

The Brown and Gold return home to WMU Soccer Complex for their first homestand of the season over the holiday weekend. Western Michigan will host its annual Soccer Fest celebration prior to its match against Butler on Labor Day, Monday September 7. Kickoff for Soccer Fest is set for 3 p.m. with Soccer Fest activities beginning at 1 p.m.