Mastodons Face Broncos in Sunday Showdown

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The IPFW men's soccer team face Western Michigan in the second game of a Sunday doubleheader. The Mastodons are set to kick off against the Broncos at 2:30 p.m., following the women's match against Northern Kentucky, on August 31 at the Hefner Soccer Complex.

Who: Western Michigan (0-1-0)
When: Sunday, August 31 | 2:30 p.m.
Where: Hefner Soccer Field (2,000) | Fort Wayne, Ind.
All-Time Series: Western Michigan leads 13-3-3
Live Stats: IPFW Sidearm Live Stats

SCOUTING THE MASTODONS

IPFW stormed out of the gate on opening day, topping St. Joseph's (Ind.) by a 6-0 tally. The Mastodon's offensive explosion came from all over the field as six separate student-athletes scored - including four others with an assist - in the opening match of the year. When the dust settled, four 'Dons - Andy O'Donoghue, Britt Watts, Spencer Brown, and Eau Rikhotso - earned their first-career goal.

Of all the strikers against St. Joseph's, Austin West put three-of-four shots on goal, while Watts placed two-of-three on goal. For the game, the Mastodons outshot the Pumas 31-3, and earned the upper hand in corner kicks, 6-1.

Just as impressive was IPFW's backfield, which limited the Pumas to three shots in the match, all coming in the first half.

SCOUTING THE BRONCOS

Western Michigan began its season with a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Detroit in overtime. The Broncos let up the game-winning goal just 27 seconds into the overtime period, coming off a penalty kick from Detroit's Adam Clauss.

The Bronco's held an offensive edge over the Titans for most of the game, out shooting Detroit 9-3 and holding a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks. However, Western Michigan was only able to find the back of the net from Connor Furgason in the 86th minute. Furgason placed both of his shots on goal during the match, while Edu Jimenez finished with an assist and one shot on goal.

ALL-TIME SERIES

Western Michigan holds a 13-3-3, winning the previous two matches. Last season the Broncos upended the Mastodons 4-1 in Kalamazoo on October 22. Two of IPFW's three wins over Western Michigan have come within the past five meetings, including a 2-0 shutout in 2009 and a 2-1 victory in 2011.

ONE FOR THE BOOKS

The Mastodon's win over St. Joseph's (Ind.) marked the first regular season shutout for IPFW since a 1-0 win at home against IUPUI on November 3, 2012. The six goals were also the most for the 'Dons since September 4, 2011, against Omaha, also at home. Additionally, the victory marked the Mastodon's second-consecutive year in which IPFW started the season without a loss, as the 'Dons opened the season with a 2-2 draw against Northern Kentucky on August 30, 2013.

NEXT UP

The Mastodons travel to Las Vegas for the Johann Memorial Classic, hosted by UNLV. IPFW takes on UNLV in the first match on Friday, September 5 at 10 p.m. The 'Dons also face Cal State Bakersfield on Sunday, September 7 at 1:30 p.m.

~ Feel the Rumble ~

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Players Mentioned

Spencer Brown

Andy O'Donoghue

Eau Rikhotso

Britt Watts

Austin West

Purdue University Fort Wayne Athletics