KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Western Michigan men's soccer team defeated Northern Illinois University 2-1 Saturday, Oct. 27 during senior day at WMU Soccer Complex, earning its first Mid-American Conference victory of the year. 

Seven Bronco seniors were honored pre-game during their final regular season match at WMU Soccer Complex. Tommy Clark, Connor McNulty, Elijah Michaels, Kosti Moni, Jake Rufe, Cameron Sipple, and Ben Thornton were recognized for their contribution to the program.

The final score was set with all three goals just 17 minutes into the match. WMU took an early lead with a goal 13 minutes in, while the Broncos and Huskies then traded goals within a minute apart soon after. 

"It was a great team win today," said head coach Chad Wiseman. "We had our moments and we took advantage of a couple of them. It was nice to see to Bowie find a goal with a good finish. Sipple, our captain, on senior day, nets the game winner! He has been great all year for us." 

Anthony Bowie got the scoring started as he broke past a NIU defender and went in all alone on the goalkeeper, finishing for his second goal of the season. 

Nearly three minutes later, NIU tied the game with an impressive shot from outside the box, as the strike blew past a leaping Elijah Michaels to knot the game at 1-1. 

The Brown & Gold didn't take long to answer for the eventual game-winner. At the 17 minute mark, the Huskies were called for a foul inside the box. Cameron Sipple stepped up and converted the penalty kick for his team-leading fifth goal of the season, and his second penalty kick tally. 

NIU held a 6-2 shot advantage and 3-1 lead in corner kicks heading into the break, down 2-1. They didn't look back, outshooting the Broncos 7-5 throughout the final 45 minutes while adding eight corner kicks compared to six from WMU. Lukas Von Lienen replaced Michaels in net in the second half for WMU and made two big saves as the Broncos held on to claim three points in the MAC standings. 

Michaels, who made his fifth start of the season in goal, was credited with the win to improve his record to 3-3-0 on the year. 

"We grinded out the last 25 minutes of the game," Wiseman commented. "NIU is a much improved team this year, maybe most improved in the country. Their staff has done a great job in a short period of time. We knew we needed three points today and we relied on our seniors to find that for us. Those seven guys have accomplished so much in a Bronco uniform. On behalf of all our staff i just want to thank them for everything they have done to elevate our program."

Up next, Western Michigan (9-5-3, 1-1-2 MAC) will travel to Akron University next Saturday, Nov. 3 for the regular season finale. The Broncos will look to avenge last season's loss to the Zips in the MAC Championship. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Akron, Ohio with the match being broadcasted on ESPN3. 

Our 2018 seniors: Eli Michaels, Jake Rufe, Kosti Moni, Cam Sipple, Ben Thornton, Connor McNulty, and Tommy Clark. Currently with 45 wins, they are the all-time winningest class in Western Michigan history. #WeWillReign pic.twitter.com/vq48JvfrVP

— WMU Men's Soccer (@WMUMensSoccer) October 27, 2018