KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Five Western Michigan men's soccer players were voted All-Mid-American Conference, the league office announced Thursday, Nov. 10. Juniors Zach Bock and Brandon Bye earned First Team honors, while seniors Edu Jimenez, Diego Lopez and redshirt junior Drew Shepherd were named Second Team.

Western Michigan's five all-conference selections is the second most in school history, following Broncos' six honorees last year.

"I am very happy for the players selected by the MAC coaches to the all-conferences teams," said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. "At the same time, I am proud of the team and what they have accomplished this season. With team success comes individual accolades and all five players selected would be the first to give credit to there teammates."

Western Michigan finished the regular season with an 9-5-4 overall record, 1-1-3 MAC record. The Broncos will be the No. 4 seed in the upcoming MAC Tournament and face No. 1 seed Akron Friday night at 7 p.m.

Bye has led the Bronco attack this season and ranks second in the conference in point total, registering 21 off of a team-best eight goals five assists. Bock has the reputation of being one of the toughest defenders in the conference, anchoring the Broncos at center back. He also has contributed two goals and an assist. Both Bye and Bock were Second Team All-MAC selections last year as sophomores.

"Brandon Bye found a way to impact each and every game we played this year," Wiseman said. "Even when he didn't get on the scoresheet, his athletic abilities demanded teams to adjust and game plan for him.

"Zach Bock has developed into one of the best center backs in the country. He just keeps getting better and better, and is really learning to be a leader. Both Zach and Brandon still have not even come close to their potential level, which is great for WMU soccer.

Jimenez and Lopez have been key pieces in the Bronco midfield. Jimenez is a four-year starter and captain in his final season. Jimenez is second on the team in scoring with three goals and five assists. He has 21 assists for his career, ranking fourth most at WMU.

Lopez is in his first season as a Bronco, after playing his first three years at Western Illinois. A seasoned-player, Lopez has had immediate impact, registering four goals, including two game-winners.

"Edu has been a constant for us over the last four years," Wiseman said. "I am happy for the coaches in the league to recognize what he does for our program. Edu will go down as one of the best assists man in program history.

"Diego has had a very short Bronco career but yet a very impactful one. We knew he could bring a dynamic to the team we were missing and he did just that. I am proud of him for making the most out of his senior year."

Shepherd is WMU's starting goalkeeper and has made 41 saves over 13 games. Headed into the MAC Tournament, he has a 0.74 goals-against average and a .759 save percentage. Last year, Shepherd led the nation in goals-against average.

"Drew is one of the best goalkeepers in the country," commented Wiseman. "He has worked so hard since arriving at Western Michigan and is a great teammate. Day in and day out, he is someone we know we can count on."