Box Score
KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan proudly hoisted the Gazelle Cup after beating Kalamazoo College, 3-1, Saturday in the Broncos' final exhibition match of the preseason. Luis Lemus, Joseph Beshara and Kai Mendes each scored for the Brown & Gold.
"I am very proud of the team after our gritty display today," said WMU head coach Stu Riddle. "The conditions were difficult to say the least and we knew Kalamazoo College would be a very tough opponent. Once again we scored some magnificent goals with three different scorers, which is extremely pleasing.
"I am disappointed that we conceded a goal late on and we know that we must remain focused for a complete 90 minutes when we begin our regular season on Wednesday."
Western Michigan led 1-0 at halftime, after Lemus scored in the 33rd minute. Mendes skillfully held possession in the box and played the ball over to his teammate, who also eluded defenders with some fancy footwork. Lemus then buried a shot low in the left corner for the Bronco advantage.
WMU struck again just 53 seconds into the second half, Beshara recording the goal. Lito Esquivel received a pass on the far left side and sent a cross into the box. Beshara rushed in and one-timed the ball on the run into the back of the net.
Mendes made it 3-0 in Western Michigan's favor in the 69th minute. Joel Del Toro played a long ball out of the backfield over the defense and Mendes broke free on a breakaway. K-College goalie Dane Mcadonnell came out well past the 18 and Mendes flipped the ball over Mcadonnell's head. Mendes continued his pursuit and scored in an empty net. Mendes also had a goal and an assist in WMU's first exhibition game against Lewis University.
K-College came up with a goal in the 82nd minute to make for a 3-1 final. Rory Landis chipped a ball in the box and WMU goalkeeper Mike Sweers went to make a play, but the ball was able to get behind him and Martin Blanc finished on the backside.
Sweers played all 90 minutes in the net for WMU and made two saves. Nineteen different field players saw action for the Broncos.
Western Michigan opens the regular season Wednesday at home against Concordia University, kickoff from the WMU Soccer Complex is at 4 p.m.
