DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake men's soccer laced them up for a premier matchup on Saturday afternoon as the 11th ranked Western Michigan Broncos came to town. The Bulldogs built an early lead but later conceded the equalizer as two of the Valley's top teams tied, 1-1.
 
Chase Wakefield drew first blood in the match after a precise pass from Cole Schrage. Wakefield danced around a Bronco defender and poked one past the WMU keeper for his second score of the year (13'). That 1-0 margin was maintained over the remainder of the first half as Drake led at the break.


 
The Bulldogs' lead did not last long after the second period started as Owen Smith netted his third goal of the season in the 48th minute. Smith's score was unassisted.
 
Drake did its best to jump back in front down the stretch, controlling the pace and tempo, but the Bulldogs could not strike. The 1-1 tally held until the final horn as Drake drew for the first time in conference action.
 
"We obviously wanted to win that match," Drake head coach Pat Flinn said. "Windy games are always a test of character and mentality. Conceding the equalizer so early in the second half turned the final 40 minutes into a real gut check for us. Not only did we hang on, but we also created the best chances for either team during that spell. [We're] onto the next challenge."
 
The Bulldogs and Broncos were even in shots on goal with three apiece despite Drake's 8-5 advantage in total tries. Wakefield paced the Bulldog attack with three total shots while Jackson Kirsch fired two.
 
In goal, Tomas Butkovic of Drake and Colin Welsh of WMU each made two saves while allowing a single goal.
 
Drake will hit the road for their penultimate road trip with two matches away from Mediacom Stadium coming up. The Bulldogs will visit Bowling Green on Oct. 12 before a date at Bradley on Oct. 19.