Broncos Down BGSU, 1-0, in MAC Tournament Semifinals

Friday, November 12

Akron, Ohio

8:00 PM

Bowling Green State University

Western Michigan

Sam Galloway fires a shot in Friday's match vs. WMU (Larry Clapper photo)

November 12, 2010 | Men's Soccer

Falcons' season comes to an end

By: AKRON, Ohio (BGSU Athletic Communications)

Darren Jones scored on a free kick in the 54th minute, leading Western Michigan University past the Bowling Green State University men's soccer team Friday night (Nov. 12). The match, a Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinal-round contest, was held at Lee R. Jackson Field in Akron, Ohio.

FINAL STATS - HTML | BOXSCORE - PDF

With the win, the Broncos improve to 10-7-2 on the season. Western, the number-two seed in the MAC Tournament, advances to Sunday's (Nov. 14) final to take on top-seeded Akron. The Zips downed fourth-seeded Buffalo, 3-1, in the first semifinal.

The Falcons, seeded third for the league tournament, see the season come to an end with a record of 6-9-3.

"Losing is very hard, especially when the loss ends your season," said second-year Falcon coach Eric Nichols. "But, we have no regrets about the way we played. The boys played very hard and they played well. We were organized and created some chances tonight."

The Broncos were credited with 16 shot attempts to the Falcons' nine, but BGSU had a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal. Falcon freshman Sam Galloway, a native of nearby Copley, Ohio, led all players with four shots, including three on net.

But, WMU goalkeeper Sean Lewis made five saves to post the shutout. At the other end of the pitch, BGSU junior 'keeper Miguel Rosales made a pair of stops. Rosales had a goals-against average of 1.00 in seven matches against MAC foes in his first season in Bowling Green.

"Our four seniors have been great leaders for us this year," said Nichols. "I'm very pleased that the guys gave them everything that they did. It is always sad to see the season end, and it is tough to say goodbye to your seniors. But, we thank them for everything they have done for us, and we will look to continue building with the returning guys."

Those four Falcon seniors included Robert Barker, Garrett Bireline, Thomas McLean and Dusko Topolic. Head coach Eric Nichols and assistant Paul Habrecht had a youthful squad in 2010, as the 26-man roster included 12 newcomers, including 11 freshmen.