Unfinished business
The Broncos are entering year three of coach Chad Wiseman's tenure and they seem primed to take the next step with 10 seniors and every back from last year. They beat nationally-ranked Akron last year and have played the Zips tough the last two years, but Wiseman said at times the Broncos have dropped their level of play against less prominent teams. After beating Akron 1-0 on Oct. 25 last season, WMU went 0-2-1 in its final three regular season games with both losses coming to MAC teams. The Broncos finished with a 2-2-1 MAC record and tied with Bowling Green for third place.
Wiseman said he thinks his veteran team is ready for big stage this season. "This is what we've been working toward since we took over the program," Wiseman said. "We have some special players that can do some things. The first two years we've been able to play with anybody. We've beaten Akron and Michigan, but we've also maybe dropped our level against some other opponents. I think as we look into this year our challenge is can we bring our best every single game?"
Senior midfielder Sean Conerty, who was the NCAA statistical champion in assists per game last season (0.67), said he believes there is some unfinished business from last year, when the Broncos finished 8-7-4 overall. "We were kind of a new team and we were gelling last year," he said. ". I think this year we have a lot of potential. Potential is the key word there, though, because if we don't play to our potential we won't be successful."
Akron at home
The Zips have established themselves as a dominant team in the MAC and as a growing power in the country. WMU went on the road last year and handed Akron its lone conference loss. The Broncos then lost to the Zips 2-1 in double overtime in the MAC tournament. This year, WMU has Akron, ranked 25th in the country entering the season, at home on Oct. 24, which is WMU's Homecoming weekend. The Broncos also host St. Mary's College, a favorite in the WCC this season, and WMU will be the host for the Radisson Invitational, which will also feature St. Bonaventure, Detroit and Western Illinois.
After a major overhaul of the WMU soccer facilities in recent years, Wiseman said he believes the Broncos, who went 4-2-1 at home last season, are developing a home field advantage. "We're very proud of the facility we have," he said. "Kalamazoo is a great soccer community. Guys get excited when they play here."
Jay McIntosh comes home
Jay McIntosh controls the ball in an exhibition game against Alma on Sunday, Aug. 23. McIntosh, a former Loy Norrix High School star, transferred to WMU from Indiana over the summer. Courtesy GS Photo
The Broncos' roster got a big boost over the summer when it was announced Jay McIntosh was transferring from Indiana to WMU. McIntosh was a star prep player at Loy Norrix High School and is considered the best player to ever suit up for the Knights' soccer program. McIntosh said the thought of playing alongside the likes of Conerty, Nick Wysong and Greg Timmer, who also have aspirations of playing professionally, was a big factor in deciding on WMU. "It's going to be exciting I think," he said. "We have a chance to win the MAC and we haven't done that since 2003. I think it would be a big deal."
Wiseman, who took over at WMU after McIntosh committed to Indiana, had a smile on his face as he talked about what McIntosh, a 6-foot, 185-pound sophomore, can give the Broncos. "I think he brings a confidence to his game that rubs off on everyone else," Wiseman said. "I think he has a knack for finding the ball in the final third and he puts balls in the back of the net. He's been doing it all preseason. He's a big strong athletic kid."
In-state influences
Along with McIntosh, Wiseman is building WMU's roster from in-state out. There are 17 players on the roster who hail from the state of Michigan. There are four from WMU's back yard in Southwest Michigan, including Sturgis native Carlos Suarez, Portage Northern alum Brandon Bye, McIntosh and Lawton native and former Mattawan standout Elijah Michaels. Wiseman has said he wants to keep the best in-state high school players in Michigan and McIntosh said that adds a sense of camaraderie. "It's nice to play with some guys that are from the west side of the state and guys you got to play club ball with. It's nice to have those connections."
Wealth of talent
The Broncos were in the middle of the pack in most statistical categories last year and near the top in a few others. With every starter back, including goalkeeper Chase Rau, the Broncos will be looking to make a big push this season. In MAC play, the Broncos recorded 28 points, which tied with Akron for second-most. WMU scored the second-most goals in league play with eight. The Broncos tallied the second-most assists with 12 – Wysong and Conerty each recorded three and Timmer had two helpers. WMU allowed the second-fewest goals in MAC play with six and the Broncos two shutouts in league play was tied with Akron for the most – WMU shut out five opponents total last season.
With a lot of talent returning, the Broncos have big aspirations, which include an NCAA tournament berth. "We have a lot of returners and I think we'll definitely be better," Conerty said.
WMU Men's Soccer
Coach: Chad Wiseman (3rd season, 17-16-5, 6-3-2 MAC)
WMU Soccer Complex: Located in WMU's BTR Park, off Parkview Avenue
Season opener: vs. Marshall, 4 p.m. Friday at WMU Soccer Complex
Admission: Free
Article courtsey of David Drew - MLive.com | ddrew1@mlive.com
