INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI men's soccer team dropped its second straight heartbreaker, this time falling to Western Michigan by a 1-0 count at Michael A. Carroll Stadium on a very hot Sunday afternoon (Sept. 6). WMU got the game's only offense in the 53rd minute from Nick Wysong as the senior striker blasted a shot through traffic into the upper right-hand corner of the net. 

Western Michigan (3-0) outshot the Jaguars 16-6 and 5-3 on frame, while also earning 10 corner kicks. 

While IUPUI's (0-2-1) attacking opportunities were few in quantity, they didn't lack for quality. Kristian Martinez threaded a brilliant through ball through the WMU defense in the 17th minute to Uriel Macias, who had his shot cleared away by Drew Shepherd for a corner kick. 

After being outshot 12-3 in the first half, IUPUI's defense was more stingy in the second half, while Emmanuel Usen began to find more room offensively. 

"We did well trying to find the pocket and get our forwards to try and penetrate the ball," Head Coach Isang Jacob said. "We had two clear chances, we just have to finish those chances when we have them." 

The visiting Broncos finally hit paydirt early in the second half, beginning with Brandon Bye's attack. Bye attempted a shot from the left side, only to see it knocked down by an IUPUI defender. However, the rebound caromed right, leaving Wysong a clear path to goal. The Pitt-transfer drilled a shot past Eduardo Cortes for his second score of the young season. 

"They had their chance and they put it away when it mattered," Coach Jacob said. "They're a very good team and they just wanted it more. We have to come out and play better collectively as a team, knowing that as a team we can get it done."

With temperatures in the mid 90s, both IUPUI and Western Michigan had to battle the heat as well as each other in a very physical contest. The Jags registered 19 fouls, including four yellow cards, while the Broncos registered 13. 

"We picked up too many yellow cards," Coach Jacob echoed. "One, because we're late closing down the ball, so once we get beaten we decide to foul. It's something we need to be better at, so we need be smarter in that regard. But they're an athletic team. They know how to win and they know what works for them."

The Jags now look ahead to Valparaiso (1-2-0) in what will be game three of a three-game home stand for IUPUI. The Crusaders are familiar with tight games this season, as their last two contests have needed double overtime to decided a winner. Valpo also surprised No. 14 Indiana with a 2-1 victory in a preseason match, but Coach Jacob knows his crew is close to breaking through and getting that first win of the season. 

"We have to defend collectively as a team, fight collectively as a group and the wins will come," Jacob added.
   
IUPUI hosts Valpo Friday (Sept. 11) at Michael A. Carroll Stadium with kickoff set for 7 p.m.