KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan hosted Northern Illinois University earlier this afternoon for its first Mid-American Conference match of the season during Homecoming Weekend. The Broncos posted their sixth shutout in 13 games this season, battling the Huskies to a 0-0 draw.

It was just the second tie of the year for the Broncos, whose record moved to 8-3-2 overall and 0-0-1 in MAC play this season. The Huskies are now 1-5-4 overall and 0-0-1 in the conference.

How it Happened:
Defender Zach Bock had the best opportunity for the Broncos in the eighth minute. Senior midfielder Edu Jimenez would send a corner kick into the box as Bock connected on a sliding kick. Huskie goalkeeper Drew Donnally would make an incredible one-handed diving save to keep the score even.

Controlling most of possession in the remainder of the first half, Western Michigan took 11 shots placing two on goal while holding Northern Illinois to just one shot that went wide. The Broncos sent in six corner kicks but were held off the scoreboard as both teams went into the half scoreless.

In the 56th minute, the Broncos had a number of opportunities to notch a goal. Junior forward Brandon Bye got WMU started creating a chance but the Huskie goalkeeper knocked it out of bounds for a corner. As the Jimenez corner entered the box, freshman forward Anthony Bowie connected his head on the kick however the goalkeeper again knocked the ball out for a corner kick. This time freshman Giuseppe Vitale got his head on the ball as the header went high.

Redshirt junior goalkeeper Drew Shepherd kept the Huskies off the board connecting on two saves off a NIU corner kick in the 68th minute.

Redshirt freshman midfielder Tommy Clark delivered the final quality opportunity for the Broncos in the 83rd minute as the shot went straight to the NIU goalie.

As neither team delivered threatening opportunities in both overtimes, the final scoreboard read 0-0. Western Michigan placed nine shots on frame while Northern Illinois placed three calling upon Shepherd to make three saves to preserve the clean sheet. The goalie fended off two shots on goal in the second half and one final save in the last five seconds of double overtime.

Quoting Wiseman:
"You have to give full credit to Northern Illinois for coming on the road and getting a shutout and leaving with a point in the conference," commented WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. "I have to do a better job getting the team ready. That is my responsibility and will do a better job next time out."

Next Up:
Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Broncos welcome the Crusaders from Valparaiso. The game is slated to kick off at 4 p.m. at the WMU Soccer Complex. All Western Michigan home soccer games are free admission.