KALAMZOO, Mich. – The Drake University men's soccer team went on the road for a tricky Halloween test and left Kalamazoo treatless after a 2-1 defeat. The Bulldogs battled back to tie the score against Western Michigan, but the home Broncos found some late life to oust Drake, 2-1.
 
Drake (7-2-6, 2-1-3) suffered a setback in the early stages as Preston Kipnusu was forced to exit, but the Bulldogs did not concede any ground to WMU. Western Michigan outshot Drake 6-2 over the first 45 minutes, but to no avail as the two teams played through a scoreless first half.
 
The second stanza started in opposite fashion as the Broncos (5-8-3, 2-1-3) found their footing. Juan Romero was assisted by Christian Shannon and Gabe Villagomez for a 52nd-minute goal, give WMU a 1-0 advantage.
 
Ten minutes later, Drake rebounded with a score of its own as freshman Landon Benge netted his second goal of the season after some help from Crew Alvarez and Chase Wakefield. The goal drew Drake back even with the Broncos and in line for a point.
 
Western Michigan had the last laugh, however, as Jonathan Stout connected on his fifth goal of the year in the 74th minute. Stout's strike proved to be the game-winner as the Dogs could not find another equalizer and Western Michigan held on for the 2-1 victory.
 
"Credit to Western Michigan on their big win," Drake head coach Pat Flinn said. "Certainly wasn't our best performance. Losing Preston early in the match certainly didn't help, but we've embraced next-man-up all year. Today was not our day across the board, but we still have everything to play for. Big home finale versus Bradley [next week] that we need to get."
 
The Bulldogs will close their regular season slate on Wednesday, Nov. 5 with a 6 p.m. kickoff against Bradley.