DEKALB, Ill. – The Western Michigan women's soccer team earned a spot in the Mid-American Conference Tournament after defeating Northern Illinois, 1-0, on the road on Thursday afternoon.

The Broncos held their destiny in their own hands and a win ensured them a spot in the tournament. WMU will travel Toledo for the first round on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Senior forward Emma Kahn scored the lone goal and senior goalkeeper Stephanie Heber made six saves to earn the shutout. WMU outshot NIU 12-10 overall but the Huskies had a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal.

"Today was another great game to compete in," said head coach Lauren Sinacola. "To have a win going into the tournament is great of our team's confidence. This is a very committed and focused group and I'm excited to get back to Kalamazoo and prepare to battle in Toledo."

Western Michigan had the majority of its chances in the first half, firing off nine shots and landing three on goal. The teams went into the half tied at 0-0 before Kahn struck in the 60th minute.

After a foul the Broncos were awarded a free kick in the NIU half. Grace Labadie placed the free kick into the box. The ball bounced and Kahn headed it past Huskies keeper Amy Annala for her fourth goal of the season. The goal also put her career total at 24, just one shy of tying the program record held by Stephanie Skowneski.

The goal was WMU's only shot on frame in the second half and from there the defense kept Northern Illinois off of the scoreboard. Heber made four saves in the final 45 minutes to secure her eighth shutout of the season.