Box Score STATESBORO, Ga. – Western Michigan scored three second half goals to down the Eagles 3-0 on Saturday evening at Eagle Field. The victory for Western Michigan was their first in conference play this season, improving to 5-6-4 on the year. The Eagles fell to 4-10-1 on the season and 0-3-1 in conference play.
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The match remained scoreless at the half, with both sides tallying four shots. Georgia Southern had the best chance to score in the first half, as
Jeremiah Luoma scorched a shot on frame that was saved by Isaac Walker from 15 yards out.Â
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In the second half, the Broncos would open the scoring, as Mike Melaragni found just enough of the ball from Brennan Creek to lead 1-0. Nearly 10 minutes later, Eric Conerty would find the back of the net from 17 yards out to beat
Jokull Blaengsson and increase the lead to 2-0.
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The Broncos would continue to add to the lead in the 69
th minute, as Charlie Sharp would find a bouncing ball from the edge of the area to beat Blaengsson. Â
MATCH FACTS
Western Michigan (5-6-4, 0-3-0) – 3
Georgia Southern (4-10-1, 0-3-1) – 0
SCORING
54' – WMU – Mike Melaragni
64' – WMU – Eric Conerty
69' – WMU – Charlie SharpÂ
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NOTES
- Western Michigan tied season high in goals on Saturday evening, the most they have scored in MAC play.
- The Broncos were whistled for three yellow cards on the evening.
- Georgia Southern was outshot 10-6 in the in the match, 3-2 on frame.
- The Eagles held the advantage in corners 6-4.
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QUOTING COACH MURPHY
"We faded in the second half after a good start to the game. After hitting the post and their keeper making a great save to keep it 0-0, we were a bit unlucky not to convert one of those chances in the first half. Second half, you have to give credit to Western Michigan as they picked up the tempo and our youth and lack of depth were exposed. I can't say a bad word about this group as they are giving everything they have. The future will be very bright with this team. But in the meantime, we will take some time to recover and then use the rest of the week to prepare for West Virginia on Homecoming Weekend and Senior Night."
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NEXT UP
Georgia Southern will host the final home match of the season, welcoming in No. 25 West Virginia on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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