Women's Soccer | September 15, 2016
KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan women's soccer team (6-1-0) looks to extend its four-game win streak, hosting DePaul University Friday to kick off alumni weekend. The Broncos welcome the Blue Demons for their annual "Fill the Farm" game with kickoff slated for 4 p.m. Admission to all WMU home soccer games is free.
SOCCER ALUMNI & FRIENDS WEEKEND
The Western Michigan men's and women's soccer programs will hold their annual Alumni & Friends Weekend, Sept. 16-18. The Alumni & Friends weekend is full of activities for Bronco supporters and alums, including the annual Alumni Game on Saturday morning, golf outing and alumni gathering.
"It is always great having a weekend welcoming alumni back on campus," stated head coach
Lauren Sinacola. "Our program would not be what it is today without their hard work, dedication and support to the program. We greatly appreciated everything they do. This weekend is just one of our ways we can show them our gratitude and we can't wait for this weekend's events."
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BRONCOS AT A GLANCE
Western Michigan was ranked in the Great Lakes Region top 10 for the fourth-straight week, coming in No. 8 for the second week in a row.
WMU has tied the programs best start in school history through seven games heading into Friday's non-conference finale. Of those six wins, three have been shutouts and the Broncos are outscoring their opponents 12-7.
The Broncos had a pair of non-conference matches last weekend tallying wins at Loyola Chicago (2-1) and an exciting Valparaiso (3-2) victory in overtime at home.
During the two victories, redshirt junior goalkeeper
Stephanie Heber was called upon to make 11 saves for Western Michigan. The Rochester, Mich., native recorded a season-high six saves at Loyola on Friday. Senior forward
Mackenzie Barber stepped up for the Broncos, scoring three goals and tallying one assist.
Candice Uhl and
Liz Abro also netted a goal for the Broncos.
MACKENZIE BARBER'S STELLAR WEEKEND
The senior from Rochester, Mich., was named the Mid-American Conference Player of the Week this past Monday. Barber played a key role in four of the five goals scored by the Broncos last weekend. The forward netted three goals, including a game winner, and one assist during the two games. The senior leads all Broncos with three goals on the season and seven points this season.
"I've been extremely happy with Mackenzie through her time here," commented coach Sinacola. "Each summer she has put in the hard work that gives her and the team the best opportunity for success. Her hard work is paying off and the best part is that she is not content. Mackenzie wants to improve each and every day and will not settle for early success. She is a true team player and has always put the team before herself, I couldn't be more proud."
SCOUTING DEPAUL
The Blue Demons are off to an 1-4-2 record this season, after two losses in California this past weekend. On Thursday, DePaul fell to San Diego (3-2) in overtime fashion and dropped its fourth game of the season on Sunday at Long Beach State. The Blue Demons lone win on the season came against Army back on Sept. 4. Despite the four losses, DePaul has only been outscored by their opponents 14-12.
Goalkeepers Jaimie Leas and Lauren Frasca have shared minutes in goal during the seven contests. However, Leas holds the advantage in goal-against average (1.00) on the season.
Senior defender, Taylor Schissler, leads all Blue Demons with seven points on the season (3 goals, 1 assist). Forwards Ana Greik and Abby Reed each hold six points on the season.
SERIES HISTORY
Western Michigan has faced DePaul twice during the program history. Last season the team went to Chicago and fell 2-0 to the Blue Demons.
NEXT UP
Western Michigan will begin MAC play next weekend with a pair of home matches. The Broncos will host Eastern Michigan on Friday, Sept. 23 at 4 p.m. and Central Michigan on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.
