KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan men's soccer program has announced its 2017 schedule, which includes home matches against Michigan, Michigan State and Akron. One of the most competitive schedules assembled in recent memory, over the course of the 18 regular-season games the Broncos will face six teams who qualified for the NCAA Tournament last fall.

"I am thrilled to release the 2017 game schedule to our supporters," said fifth-year head coach Chad Wiseman. "We're prepared to go up against other big-name programs, including traditional soccer powerhouses and six teams that went to the NCAA Tournament a year ago. The challenge we have in front of us this year is like no other we have created in our tenure."

While Western Michigan has been no stranger to suiting up against nationally-ranked programs, the recent upgrades to the WMU Soccer Complex has allowed the Broncos to book those matches as home contests rather than having to go on the road. The complex will have a new playing surface this fall, as a $75,000 fraze mowing facelift and re-seeding is completed this summer. Over the past six years the entire facility has under gone a multi-million dollar transformation, bringing it to the level of one of the best in the Mid-American Conference and the Midwest.
 
"The support this program has received over the last four-six years has been unbelievable," Wiseman said. "The ability to enhance our game day facilities has directly allowed us to host schools like Michigan, Michigan State and Cincinnati to name a few. Week after week, game after game we are bringing fantastic soccer schools to the WMU Soccer Complex. Our students, community supporters and friends of the program will enjoy an absolutely elite home schedule."

Western Michigan will play road pre-season exhibition games against DePaul (8/13) and Detroit (8/19) leading up to the first regular season weekend in which the Broncos host LIU Brooklyn (8/25) and Stetson (8/27). LIU Brooklyn is the first of the NCAA Tournament participants; the other five are Butler (away-9/8), Portland (away-9/29), Michigan State (home-10/4), Akron (home-10/7) and recent MAC affiliate SIU-Edwardsville (home-10/28).     

"Our away schedule is very challenging, yet full of new experiences for our program," Wiseman said. "The game out in Portland is on everyone's radar, they have great fan support and are returning conference champions. We have some engaged alumni out West that are excited for us to come their way. We're going to play in some really tough environments which should prepare us for our conference schedule."

Other notable home games include Cincinnati (9/4), Dayton (9/17), Michigan (9/20), Green Bay (10/17) and Bowling Green (11/4). Michigan will be making its first appearance in Kalamazoo since 2009 while the last time Michigan State visited Kalamazoo was 2008. WMU's home game against Akron on the first Saturday in October marks the opening of MAC play. The conference tournament is later slated for Nov. 10 & 12 at the No. 1 seed.

"The MAC will be tougher and more competitive than ever," Wiseman said. "The addition of SIUE, a sweet 16 team a year ago, strengthens what I think is the best mid-major soccer conference in the nation. We're excited for our fans, they will get a good look at the MAC this year as we host Akron, SIUE and Bowling Green."  

WMU finished last season with a 9-6-4 overall record and fell to Akron in the MAC Tournament semifinals. The Broncos return 16 players from that team including all-region and All-MAC honorees Zach Bock (senior, D) Brandon Bye (senior, MF) and Drew Shepherd (senior, GK).

"Overall the schedule is the strongest schedule we have ever put together when it comes to the RPI," Wiseman said. "We have some great leaders in our program right now, leaders with lots of experience. Our players are ready and preparing for this challenging schedule. It's going to be a fun fall season."