KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan men's soccer team is in full swing with practice and is preparing for the 2017 campaign. The Broncos have schedule two exhibition matches with the first this Sunday on the road against DePaul.
 
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"The first exhibition of the season is always one of great excitement," commented WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. "The energy and enthusiasm in camp thus far has been outstanding. DePaul is coming off one of their most successful seasons in program history, we will be tested, which is exactly what we want. We have some really healthy competition throughout the roster right now, guys fighting for starting spots and guys fighting for reserve spots."  
 
The Broncos will be returning three All-Mid-American-Conference selections including top goal scorer and assist leader senior midfielder Brandon Bye, senior defender Zach Bock and redshirt senior goalkeeper Drew Shepherd. Newcomers who look to add to the team's fire power are transfers Kosti Moni (UC Santa Barbara) and Ben Thornton (IUPUI). The Broncos signed five freshmen who will be looking to make an impact as well including Michigan Mr. Soccer Dalton Michael.
 
DePaul went 9-7-3 last season with an appearance in the Big East Tournament Championship. The Blue Demons will be returning 16 players from the previous season including senior goalkeeper Quentin Low who has received high praise from pro scouts.  Another player to be on the lookout for is senior forward Stijn Van Der Slot who was third on the team in goals.
 
On August 19, the team will head to Detroit for their last exhibition game prior to beginning the regular season. Western Michigan's home opener will be on August 25 against LIU Brooklyn at the WMU Soccer Complex at 5 p.m.