KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Western Michigan (3-8-1) secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Detroit Mercy (5-6-1) on Wednesday evening at WMU Soccer Complex. The match saw three goals and multiple momentum shifts before Christian Shannon's 85th-minute winner decided the contest.
The scoring opened in the 41st minute when Liam Smith found the back of the net for Western Michigan, capitalizing on a combination play from Braden Stevanovic and Braxton Arpachinda. Detroit Mercy equalized through Mano Karjian in the 53rd minute, with Guershom Sylvain providing the assist. The decisive moment came late when Christian Shannon, assisted by Emiel Nieuwhof, struck in the 86th minute to secure the win for the Broncos.
The first half saw Western Michigan establish control early, with Sahel Yessen testing the Detroit Mercy defense with a shot in the 5th minute. The Broncos maintained pressure throughout the opening period, generating multiple chances including attempts from Braxton Arpachinda (10th minute) and Liam Smith (25th minute). Jordan Klein's yellow card in the 15th minute marked a physical period of play, while Detroit Mercy's Guershom Sylvain managed a blocked shot in the 12th minute.
The second half brought increased intensity from both sides. Detroit Mercy showed renewed energy after the break, with Silas Rustin forcing a save in the 49th minute. The visitors' tactical adjustments led to more possession in the attacking third, culminating in Karjian's equalizer. Western Michigan responded with tactical substitutions, bringing fresh legs that ultimately paid dividends with Shannon's late winner.
Statistics reflected Western Michigan's overall dominance, as they outshot Detroit Mercy 14-4, including a 5-1 advantage in shots on target. The Broncos also held an 8-4 edge in corner kicks. Both teams received two yellow cards each, with Spencer Powe and Louis Simon cautioned for Detroit Mercy, while Jordan Klein and Christian Shannon saw yellow for Western Michigan.
Several players stood out individually throughout the match. Liam Smith was particularly active for Western Michigan, recording multiple shots including his first-half goal. Detroit Mercy's Guershom Sylvain showed creativity in the attacking third, contributing an assist and creating several chances. Sahel Yessen proved dangerous for the Broncos, forcing multiple defensive interventions from the Detroit Mercy backline.
The tactical battle saw Western Michigan effectively utilizing width to create opportunities, while Detroit Mercy attempted to counter through quick transitions. The Broncos' pressure forced Detroit Mercy into defensive adjustments, particularly after multiple substitutions around the 76th minute when the visitors made four changes to try to alter the match's momentum.
This victory marks Western Michigan's first win in three matches, ending a two-game losing streak. For Detroit Mercy, the loss interrupts their momentum following a victory over Northern Kentucky in their previous match. The result demonstrates Western Michigan's ability to close out tight matches, while highlighting areas for improvement in Detroit Mercy's defensive organization.
Both teams now turn their attention to weekend fixtures. Western Michigan hosts Northern Illinois on October 11 at noon, looking to build on this positive result. Detroit Mercy travels to face Oakland on the same day for a 7:00 PM kickoff, seeking to bounce back from this narrow defeat.