KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Using two goals from senior Mackenzie Barber, the Western Michigan women's soccer team pushed past Valparaiso, 3-2, in overtime at the WMU Soccer Complex, Sunday. The Broncos improve to 6-1-0 overall after the thrilling victory.
"We are excited to get another win," said WMU first-year head coach Lauren Sinacola. "The team responded very well in overtime after losing momentum late in the second half. We will continue to focus on performing for the total 90 minutes.
"I am very happy with a couple of our players stepping up when they are called upon. As a team, we will continue to grow from each and every game and look forward to the challenge against DePaul on Friday."
The Broncos got on the board early in the 11th minute. Senior midfielder Liz Abro received the ball from Alyssa Burke and blasted a shot past the right of the Valpo keeper from 18 yards out. Western Michigan carried the 1-0 lead into halftime. The Broncos out-shot the Crusaders, 8-5, in the opening half and had a 4-1 advantage on corners.
Barber put WMU up 2-0 just minutes into the second half, notching her first goal of the game off a deflected shot in the 47th minute. WMU would control most of the second half until Valparaiso scored off a corner kick in the 79th minute. The Crusaders built momentum and tied the game with just nine minutes remaining in regulation. After 90 minutes the scoreboard read 2-2 with the Crusaders coming alive late to force overtime.
Western Michigan came out strong in extra time controlling possession. Just four minutes into overtime, WMU pressed again and Barber came up with the game-winning tally. The goal was mirror image from her goal in the second half, as the Broncos sent a pair of shots at the Valpo keeper and Barber was there to finish a rebound.
When the game was concluded, the final stat sheet had WMU out-shooting Valparaiso, 21-12. Bronco goalkeeper Stephanie Heber stepped up to make five saves.
Following her two-goal game, Barber ended the weekend with three goals and one assist including two game-winners in two games for Western Michigan.
The Broncos return to the WMU Soccer Complex on Friday to host DePaul University. The match is the annual "Fill the Farm" event with kickoff scheduled at 4 p.m.
