KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Drake men's soccer team (3-7-2, 1-3-1) were kept off the scoreboard in a duel with the Broncos of Western Michigan (9-1-3, 3-0-1). One of three newcomers to the MVC, Western Michigan used a pair of goals from their leading scorer to shutout the Bulldogs.
 
Charlie Sharp got the scoring started in the 10th minute after assists by Jonathan Robinson and Jaylen Shannon. He later added his second goal of the day and eighth of the season on a 14th-minute penalty kick.
 
Just before the half, Tom Cooklin connected on his first goal of the season to give WMU a 3-0 lead. Cooklin was assisted by Robinson and Sharp.
 
The Broncos took their advantage into halftime. Drake competed from opening whistle to final horn but could not come through on the scoreboard as WMU earned the 3-0 victory.
 
Drake was outshot 8-1 on Saturday without a shot on goal. Their lone attempt was made by forward Eloge Iradukunda.
 
Quinn Millerd made one save in goal for the Bulldogs to move his season total to 12.
 
"Western [Michigan] is a very experienced, very good side," Drake head coach Pat Flinn said. "We had some tough breaks in the first half. If we drop our heads and stop competing, they would have run over us. Our group competed through the final whistle which allowed us to keep growing as a team."
 
Drake will return to Des Moines for their next two contests to close their home schedule. The Bulldogs will host rival Bradley on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m.