CHARLESTON, Ill.- The Western Michigan men's soccer team capped off a brilliant weekend with a 3-1 win over host Eastern Illinois, claiming the championship at the EIU 50 Years of Soccer Tournament. The Broncos placed four players on the All-Tournament Team, including the Offensive and Defensive MVP.

“Eastern Illinois put on a fantastic tournament this weekend, it was great hospitality and great competition,” said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. “I couldn't be more thrilled about our program coming home with the championship.”

Senior forward Ryan Lemasters was selected as the Most Valuable Offensive Player and sophomore defender Cam Jensen took home Defensive MVP honors. Freshmen midfielders Matheau Rogers and Edu Jimenez were also named to the all-tournament team.

The Broncos (2-4-0) started off the weekend with a 2-1 victory over Northern Kentucky on Friday. Lemasters scored WMU's first goal on an assist by Rogers and Jimenez netted the game-winner, striking in the final minute of the first overtime.

“At this level of soccer you must go out and earn everything, and our team did that this weekend,” Wiseman said. “These two wins have set us up with great momentum heading into alumni weekend and our home opener Friday.”

Western Michigan was forced to battle back from a 1-0 deficit before the Broncos claimed the championship Sunday. EIU's Spencer Filosa put the Panthers up 1-0 on a header from five yards out off a free kick from Gani Nuredini in the ninth minute, but Western Michigan's defense tightened up and WMU went on to score three unanswered goals.

Rogers evened the count for the Brown & Gold in the 14th minute with his team-leading third goal of the season, burying a pass from junior Jason Grant from 20 yards out.

Rogers then connected with freshman Sam Bell to give WMU a 2-1 lead before the half. It was the first collegiate goal for Bell and the second career assist for Rogers.

Senior Brian Heimerdinger added an insurance goal in the second period of play, recording his first career goal off a cross on the right from Lemasters.

“The matchup went exactly how we anticipated it to go,” Wiseman added. “Neither team sat back and both teams went after the game. We thought we would find some space in the final third for some great scoring chances and that's what happened. Rogers took his goal with absolute class.

“It was great to see two Broncos score their first career goals, freshman Sam Bell with the game winner, and senior Brian Heimerdinger clinching the victory.”

Western Michigan pounded Eastern Illinois for 14 shots, including seven on goal. Defensively, sophomore Chase Rau and junior Adriano Deabreu shared goalkeeping duties. Deabreu preserved the 2-1 lead with two second half saves.

This weekend's games begins a two-game winning streak for the Broncos and concludes a six-game road trip to open the 2013 season. Western Michigan returns to Kalamazoo to host Canisius at the newly remodeled WMU Soccer Complex Sept. 20 and welcomes Milwaukee two days later, Sept. 22, as part of alumni weekend.