Men's Soccer | December 06, 2016

KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan junior men's soccer players Zach Bock and Brandon Bye were named to the NSCAA NCAA Division I Men's All-Great Lakes Region Second Team on Dec. 6.

"Zach and Brandon both had fantastic seasons for us this past fall," WMU head coach Chad Wiseman said. "They are both three-year starters and proven players at the Division I level. It's nice to see that other college coaches are taking notice."  

Bock has the reputation of being one of the toughest defenders in the conference, anchoring the Broncos at center back. He also contributed two goals and an assist.

Bye led the Bronco attack and finished second in the conference in both points and goals, while also ranking third in assists. Bye registered a team-high eight goals and had five assists, totaling 21 points.

Both Bye and Bock were also First-Team All-Mid-American Conference selections at the conclusion of the season and were Second Team All-MAC recognitions last year. The two additionally have earned Academic All-MAC honors.

"Zach very well could be one of the strongest center backs in the college game," Wiseman said. "Playing against some of the best attacking players in the country this past season, time and time again he was rock solid in the defensive third.

"Zach is becoming more and more confident on the ball which is where he needs to continue to improve. His speed, quickness and strength are in the top 10 percent for his position, and is what separates him with how explosive of an athlete he is. I am very proud of what Zach has accomplished in his three years in a Bronco uniform.  

"Brandon had what many would call a breakout season," Wiseman said. "Finding the back of the net is the hardest thing to do in the game. He is a very imposing player to play against for 90 minutes and his abilities in the air are unparalleled in the college game.

"Brandon's soccer IQ continues to improve which is important for his growth. The impact he can have on a game without event touching the ball is something I haven't seen in my years as a coach. We're all very happy and proud of Brandon."