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Steven Guipe
2
Winner Western Michigan WMU (2-1-0)
1
Spring Arbor (Mich.) SAU (7-3-2)
Winner
Western Michigan WMU
(2-1-0)
2
Final
1
Spring Arbor (Mich.) SAU
(7-3-2)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 OT 1 F
Western Michigan WMU 0 1 1 2
Spring Arbor (Mich.) SAU 0 1 0 1

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

Western Michigan escapes SAU in OT

SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Spring Arbor University welcomed NCAA Division I Western Michigan University to the Cougar Soccer Complex on Wednesday afternoon in SAU's first match of the spring. The No. 11 ranked Cougars gave the Broncos all they could handle, but Western Michigan escaped with a 2-1 victory after converting on a penalty kick in overtime.

Senior Steven Guipe scored the lone goal for SAU – the first goal of his career.

 
THE BASICS
SCORE: Spring Arbor 1, Western Michigan 2
LOCATION: Cougar Soccer Complex | Spring Arbor, Mich.
RECORDS: Spring Arbor 7-3-2, Western Michigan 2-1-0

 
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
  • Back on the field for the first time since Nov. 14 when they defeated Grace College to capture the Crossroads League Tournament title, Spring Arbor opened the spring portion of its schedule by welcoming NCAA Division I foe Western Michigan.
  • Western Michigan had an opportunity to strike first after being awarded a penalty kick in the 36th minute, but goalkeeper Christopher Banfi denied the shot keeping the Broncos off the scoreboard.
  • Despite being outshot in the first half, the Cougars created one of the more dangerous chances. Late in the period Guipe beat his defender and got off an in-close shot, but the WMU keeper was there to make the save.
  • Guipe would make the most of his next chance, however. In the 71st minute, Aiden Messinger delivered a cross into the box and Guipe was there to break the deadlock and put the Cougars on top, tallying the first goal of his career.
  • Western Michigan was quick to respond as Pepe Martinez-Bertrand found the back of the net less than one minute later.
  • Less than four minutes into overtime, SAU was whistled for a handball in the box, giving Western Michigan another try from the penalty spot. This time the Broncos would convert.
  • Banfi was outstanding between the pipes, finishing the match nine saves.
 

QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH JOSH OAKLEY
  • "We couldn't seem to find any of a rhythm tonight in the way we like to move the ball on the ground wide and forward.  Our opposition had a great deal to do with that. They are big, talented, athletic, and well drilled. That Western team beat every Division I team in the state last season, and play in a great MAC soccer conference. Most of the time, there's not too much a top NCAA DI program can gain by going on the road to play a top NAIA program. They gained the three points today and you can't say they didn't deserve them. Mountains of respect for Coach Wiseman, Ross and Lyons."
  • "Our squad also made gains today towards what we ultimately want to accomplish. Our defense got a lot and also gave a lot. The size of the WMU forwards remind me a lot of some of the teams with silverware that we hope to face in May, and Francis Kwashie and Ben Besteman stood up. We got other guys valuable minutes today, some their first-ever in college. It was great to see Stevie rewarded for his work tonight. Last month at 5:30 a.m. every day that young man was putting the work in at a level some of the rest of our team need to get to now if we truly want what we say we want."
  • "We were taught tough lessons in staying focused in crucial times, when teams are most accustomed to let downs. We know this, but still we paid the price. We have many things we need to fix, and so do all other teams. This is early March and we are playing regular season matches. Unprecedented."
  • "We will improve and focus in on another really good NCAA team for next week, the work has already begun."
 

UP NEXT
Spring Arbor travels to Hope College on Tuesday, Mar. 16.

 
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