Box Score

KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan (3-12-1, 2-3-0 MAC) gave up a late second half goal allowing Northern Illinois to slip by the Broncos, 2-1, at the WMU Soccer Complex Thursday. The Broncos conclude their regular season Saturday at home against Hartwick on Senior Day, at 1 p.m.

All three goals of the game were scored in the second half. Northern Illinois was the first to strike in the 49th minute. Danny Lopez took a throw in for the Huskies and Tim King flicked it along to Ben Thomas, who rocketed a ball past WMU keeper A.J. Reed.

Western Michigan's Saeed Sulemana Baba tied up the score up a few minutes later, as he found the back of the net in the 57th minute. Andrew Gasiorek played a ball through and Sulemana Baba raced away on the breakaway, beating NIU goalie Joe Zimka right side. It was his team-leading fourth goal of the season.

Both teams were limited chances in the second half as much of the game was played in the midfield. Northern Illinois caught a break late with just over 15 minutes remaining when they were awarded a corner kick in the 73rd minute. The ball was served in from the left side and Brad Horton's initial shot was batted down, but Matt Zirretta was there to clean up the loose ball for the Huskies' second goal.

Northern Illinois (9-5-4, 4-1-1 MAC) rattled off 14 shots on the day, while Western Michigan was limited to three, two of those coming from Sulemana Baba. Reed made two stops in goal for WMU, while Zimka made one for NIU.

Western Michigan will honor its lone senior, Jordan Fylonenko, prior to Saturday's game with Hartwick.