PEORIA, Ill. - On an night that saw Bradley fail to capitalize on countless first-half chances, sophomore forward Christian Meza stunned Western Michigan (0-3-0) with a laser from just outside the top of the box in the 78th minute, propelling the Braves (3-0-1) to a 2-1 win in the second game of the Hotels at Grand Prairie Classic Friday night at Shea Stadium.

Bradley dominated the first half, outshooting Western Michigan 19-5 in the period, but only managed to get one ball in the back of the net on a great run through the center of the park by senior midfielder Grant Campbell in the 26th minute.  The play began when senior back Travis English played a ball ahead to senior forward Chris Cutshaw near midfield.  Cutshaw carried the ball toward the right flank, then centered it to Campbell who was streaking through the midfield unmarked and beat Broncos starting keeper Cody Campbell for the game's first goal.

The Braves continued to pour on the pressure in the first half, but could not come through with another tally.

The Broncos regrouped at halftime and inserted Casey Aubil between the pipes to start the second period, making him one of 10 reserves to play for Western Michigan.  The fresh legs seemed to make a difference as the Broncos outshot the Braves 7-4 in the second half. 

Western Michigan's tying goal, however, came on a bit of a fluke play.  Bradley keeper Drew Van Kampen went up to catch what appeared to be a harmless ball lobbed into the middle of the Bradley box, but the ball slipped through Van Kampen's gloves, leaving the Bradley net wide open.  Sweeper Tapiwa Machingauta was able to keep WMU's first attempt out by blocking the right post, but the rebound fell to Sam Meyer, who knocked home the equalizer in the 52nd minute.

The play went back-and-forth until the 78th minute, when the Broncos attempted to clear a ball out of their end.  Freshman forward Jochen Graf won possession on the left side near midfield and played the ball forward to Meza.  The sophomore striker dribbled across the top of the penalty area, then hit a missle into the upper right corner for the game-winner at 77:28.

Unbeaten through four games for the first time since the 2002 Braves opened 11-0-4, Bradley will try to keep the roll going Saturday night in the final game of the Hotel at Grand Prairie Classic.  After Evansville takes on Western Michigan in Saturday's 5 p.m. game, the Braves will host Xavier in a 7:30 clash.  Evansville forward Tom Irvin scored two goals and added an assist, leading the Purple Aces (2-2-0) to a 4-1 victory against Xavier (0-2-0) in Friday's tournament opener.