KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan women's soccer team suffered its second loss of the 2016 season, falling at home against DePaul University, 3-1, Friday afternoon.

It was the lone match of the weekend for the Broncos at the WMU Soccer Complex. The loss ended a four-game winning streak for WMU (6-2-0). 

"We did not play our style of soccer in the first half and a quality DePaul team took advantage," said WMU head coach Lauren Sinacola. "We were able to regroup at halftime and turned the game around for the second 45 minutes. We will grow from this and be better next weekend."

The Broncos gave up back-to-back goals in the 39^th and 42^nd minutes of play. Midfielder Alexa Ben delivered a blistering shot outside the box into the upper corner giving the Blue Demons the lead. Three minutes later, forward Abby Reed took advantage of a Bronco miss played ball back to goalkeeper, Stephanie Heber, giving DePaul a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

Western Michigan stepped up the pressure in the second half, taking 10 shots and putting three on goal, while also earning five corners. Defender Maria Jaramillo had an opportunity for the Broncos midway through the second, striking a beautiful free kick 25 yards out but the ball hit the post and bounced out. Western Michigan had another chance when senior Liz Abro rocketed a shot in the box hitting the cross bar and the post but bounced in DePaul's favor.

Freshman LeAnn Davis scored her first career goal for the Broncos in the 82^nd minute when Jaramillo sent a perfect corner kick into the box. Davis was able to get her head on the ball, placing it past the DePaul goalkeeper. However, at the end of the regulation the scoreboard would read 3-1 in favor of DePaul. 
   
Despite the score, Western Michigan outshot DePaul 15-14 while holding the 7-4 advantage in corner kicks. Heber was called upon to make five saves during the contest while Emma Kahn led the way with three shots on goal for the Broncos. 

"It is a disappointing end to our non-conference schedule, losing is never fun," commented coach Sinacola. "I am happy with our team's performance in the second half, the game in general will give us a lot focus on to prepare for the MAC season."

Western Michigan stays home next weekend, beginning the Mid-American Conference season. The Broncos will host two in state rivals. On Friday, Sept. 23, the Broncos will welcome Eastern Michigan for a 4 p.m. kickoff. To wrap up the weekend, Western Michigan will host Central Michigan on Sunday, Sept. 25, for a 1 p.m. start.