KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan junior defender Ben Thornton was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week after recording a goal and an assist in WMU's 2-0 victory over Albany this past Sunday in the NCAA Tournament Second Round.

Thornton scored the insurance goal in the 62nd minute, his fifth of the season. His header off a throw in helped lead to the Broncos' first goal of the match in the 39th minute. Thornton also played a big part in a Bronco defense that posted its 14th shutout of the year. The NCAA Tournament victory was a program first for No. 10 overall seed Western Michigan, which improved its record to 17-3-1.

WMU advances to the Sweet 16 to face No. 7 seed Michigan State who advanced with a 3-0 second round victory over Virginia Tech Sunday. The WMU-MSU matchup will be played on Saturday, Nov. 25 in East Lansing at 6 p.m.

Five players have combined to collect 10 National Team of the Week honors for Western Michigan this season. It was the second honor of sorts for Thornton who was named to the TopDrawerSoccer National Team of the Week on Oct. 31.