YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Western Michigan freshman Emma Kahn headed in the game-winning goal in the 107th minute to send the Broncos to the Mid-American Conference Tournament Semifinals after a 3-2 upset over three-seeded Eastern Michigan on Sunday afternoon.
WMU was awarded a free kick with time winding down in the second overtime when Lindsey Lee served a ball into the box that Kahn headed into the net for her fourth goal of the season.
"I thought we played a great first 70 minutes, maybe our best of the season and against a fantastic team," said head coach Nate Norman. "I give Eastern a ton of credit though, they played so well the final part of the game and were able to get two late goals."
To get to overtime the Eagles fought back from a 2-0 deficit on goals by Molli Krick in the 82nd minute and the game-tying goal by Madison Hirsch with 1:24 remaining in regulation. After blowing the lead the Broncos needed to refocus heading into overtime.
"We told them that we have dealt with adversity all season and this is just another opportunity to react in a positive way," added Norman "There was a lot of momentum going against us but we had to refocus and get the game back. I think the way they responded speaks to the character and the type of people we have on this team. A group of lesser people would have probably folded in that situation, but they didn't."
Western Michigan built its 2-0 lead on goals by Liz Abro in the 28th minute and Nicole Hatcliffe in the 46th minute. Abro headed in her fourth goal of the season from the center of the box off of a free kick by Lee, who earned her first of two assists on the day.
Just 34 seconds into the second half Hatcliffe netted her first goal of the season from the left side of the box to put the Broncos up 2-0.
Western Michigan goalkeeper Stephanie Heber made three saves to earn her ninth win of the season.
The Broncos head to Buffalo for the MAC Semifinals where they will play Northern Illinois on Friday at 7 p.m. The Huskies upset second-seeded Miami on Sunday afternoon.
