CHICAGO- The Western Michigan men's soccer team faced its first competition of the 2016 preseason, suiting up against Loyola-Chicago in an exhibition Saturday. The Broncos dominated play, taking 18 of the 22 shots in the match, but both defenses rose to the occasion, resulting in a 90-minute 0-0 tie.

A total of 23 players from the Bronco roster saw action, including 11 newcomers to the team. Junior forward Jay McIntosh came off the bench to lead Western Michigan with four shots, including three of WMU's seven on goal.

Redshirt junior Drew Shepherd started in goal and was not tested through the first 75 minutes of play. Substitute keeper Kyle Taalman, a first-year transfer from Ohio State, made one stop over the final 15 minutes, turning away a free kick from 23 yards out.

"Overall I thought our performance was very good for the first time out," said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. "We had great energy and our fitness level for this time of the year was impressive. We had a lot of the ball and played with good purpose which led to many quality chances. 

"We certainly have to get better in the final third, but I believe we possess the players that can score goals.

"Loyal is a very good team, they will win a lot of games this year. We did a nice job limiting their opportunities. Our staff is really looking forward to watching this group of players grow and create their identity."

Western Michigan has one final preseason tune-up remaining, hosting DePaul in an exhibition, Sunday, Aug. 21 at 4 p.m.. The 2016 season officially gets underway with a pair of road games as the Broncos take on Marshall Aug. 26 and Dayton Aug. 28. WMU welcomes Summit League opponents IPFW and IUPUI for the first regular-season home games, Sept. 2 and Sept. 5.