KALAMAZOO -- The Western Michigan women's soccer team started the season off this afternoon with a dominate 3-1 win over Oakland on Sunday at the WMU Soccer Complex.
The Broncos picked up goals from Colleen McKay, Savannah Bosworth and Ashleigh Garcia, all scoring the first goals of their collegiate careers. Senior goalie Stephanie Heber made two saves to earn her first of the season. WMU had the edge in chances as well, outshooting the Grizzlies 13-4 in total shots and 9-1 on corners.
"We are very happy with today's win. To open the season with a home win is always a positive," head coach Lauren Sinacola said. "Oakland definitely challenged us throughout the game in our transition, defensive organization and our ability in the final third."
The Broncos were able to get on the board first in the 13th minute of the match. Sophomore midfielder Grace Labadie put a cross into the box off a corner finding McKay for her first collegiate tally. Labadie, a transfer from Indiana, recorded her first collegiate assist as WMU took a 1-0 lead.
WMU kept the pressure on Oakland throughout. The Broncos totaled nine corners in the match. After a corner was put into the box in the 35th minute it was cleared outside of the 18-yard box for Bosworth to drill a shot past the goalkeeper giving WMU a 2-0 going into the half.
The final goal for the Broncos came in the 75th minute of the match. Senior defender Maria Jaramillo slipped by a defender on the right near the goal-line and sent a ball across the middle where Garcia, a freshman forward, placed it in the back of the net giving WMU a 3-0 lead.
In the 83rd minute of the match Oakland was able to break the shutout. Ashley Postma sent a cross to the far post finding the head of Brooke Miura for the goal.
"We defended hard, moved the ball well and created different types of opportunities. To have three different players find the back of the net is a huge positive and we will continue to grow and move forward as a group in the right direction."
WMU's next match will be on Thursday, Aug. 24 away at Wright State starting at 7:00 p.m. The Broncos will return to the WMU Soccer Complex on Sunday, Aug. 27 for Fill The Farm Day against Indiana at 2:00 p.m.
