Women's Soccer | September 01, 2016

KALAMAZOO, MICH. – The Western Michigan women's soccer is back in action this weekend, heading to Oakland on Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff on ESPN3.com. The Broncos also host Western Illinois on Sunday at noon at the WMU Soccer Complex.
 
"This weekend will say a lot about the direction of the season," said first year head coach Lauren Sinacola.  "We shifted our focus this week in training after the tough loss to a very talented Notre Dame squad.  It is our first test to see how the girls respond.  Oakland and Western Illinois are quality teams and we are excited for the opportunity." 
 
BRONCOS AT A GLANCE -- WMU (2-1-0) is coming off its first loss of the season at No. 12 Notre Dame on Monday and look to bounce back in the win column this weekend.  The Broncos' wins come from an overtime victory over Fort Wayne (2-1) and a victory over Big Ten opponent Indiana (2-0).
 
Junior Kendall Juhnke leads the team with two goals this season and currently ranks tied for fourth in goals per game in the Mid-American Conference with 0.66.  Senior Candice Uhl and Junior Alex Ruffer have each tallied a goal for the Broncos.  Junior Stephanie Heber has started all three games in net for Western Michigan this season, recording one shutout. 
 
SCOUTING THE GOLDEN GRIZZLIES -- Oakland (2-2-0) split its pair of non-conference matches last weekend.  On Friday, the Golden Grizzlies were handed a 6-0 loss at home to Kansas State.  Sunday, Oakland traveled to fellow MAC opponent, Bowling Green, and walked away with a 2-1 victory at Cochrane Soccer Stadium. 
 
Last season, the Broncos tamed the Grizzlies in their final exhibition match, 2-1.  At WMU's annual "Fill the Farm" day, Western Michigan held a 2-0 advantaged over Oakland heading into the half.  Liz Abro and Uhl were the Bronco scorers.  Oakland was able to pick up play in the second, scoring just eight minutes after the half.  However, WMU played tough defense to end the game and come away with the victory. 
 
This season, Oakland has been outscored by their opponents, 3-9, while three goals have come from different Golden Grizzlies. In net, OU has started two different goalkeepers but Freshman Sophia Braun has logged more minutes and has faced more shots on goal. 
 
LOOKING AHEAD AT THE FIGHTING LEATHER NECKS -- Western Illinois (1-2-0) is coming off a 1-0 loss to MAC member, Northern Illinois, this past Sunday.  WIU has played all three regular season games on the road and will host Milwaukee on Friday prior to heading to Western Michigan. 
 
ON THE HORIZON -- Western Michigan returns to the road on Friday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. to face Loyola and then host Valparaiso on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m.