KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan men's soccer team officially opens the 2022 campaign on the road at Butler on Thursday at 5 p.m.
The Broncos prepped for the match with the Bulldogs with two exhibition victories. WMU defeated Cleveland State, 5-0, at the WMU Soccer Complex back on Aug. 13. Western Michigan went on the road to Xavier and took down the Musketeers, 2-1.
WMU's first two games of the regular season on the road, with the team heading to Michigan State on Thursday, Sept. 1. The Broncos' home-opener is on Monday, Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. against Wisconsin.
BRONCO SOCCER FEST
Prior to Wisconsin's first-ever visit to the WMU Soccer Complex, fans can take part in the annual Bronco Soccer Fest. The activities begin at 12:30 p.m. and lead up until kickoff. Admission for adults is $25 and children 12 and under is $10. Kids three and under are free. Admission to the game is free.
Bronco Soccer Fest will feature outdoor games, face painting and tattoos, music, the WMU Cheer and Dance teams, a picnic buffet, alcoholic beverages and a meet and greet with the men's and women's soccer teams. Kids in attendance at Soccer Fest will also receive a WMU soccer door prize. To register visit www.wmuevents.com
TRIO OF ATTACKERS
Heading into the season the Broncos return a trio of big scorers. Big referring to both size and production. Leading the attack are seniors Mike Melaragni, Charlie Sharp and Dylan Sing. Sing is the shortest of the trio at 6-foot-3, with Melaragni at 6-foot-4 and Sharp at 6-foot-5. The three have combined 37 goals and 24 assists over the past four seasons (Melaragni returning for a fifth season).
"I'm not sure you're going to find that combination of speed, size, explosiveness and goal-scoring maybe in the entire country," said head coach Chad Wiseman. "All three have had big-time seasons in their career. All three have been All-MAC players. That starts with our captain Mike Melaragni. He's a returning Academic All-American and he's scored his fair share of goals over the years. He's 6-foot-4 and runs like a deer. He can absolutely fly, and he's figured out how to play in the middle-third a little more."
"Charlie Sharp had a great year last year, an All-Region and All-MAC player. He looks in-form to start the season. He plays with an edge that is right on the line, but it's something that the team responds to very well. And then you talk about Dylan. Dylan has played almost every single position in the front six over his career. We have him at the 'nine' right now and his back-to-goal play is fantastic. He's very good at linking up with the center midfielders. He's just a load. He's 6-foot-3, he's strong, his feet are very soft and he's capable of getting on the end of a goal."
JAYLEN'S BACK
Senior centerback Jaylen Shannon missed most of the 2021 season due to an injury, playing in just five games. Prior to the injury the Broncos had recorded three straight shutouts and went on to only record three more without him. A healthy Shannon, paired with junior Daniel Nimick, gives WMU two potential All-MAC defenders.
"It's nice to have a healthy Jaylen Shannon," said Wiseman. Dan and Jaylen have played a lot of minutes and a lot of games together over the years. Jaylen's just a different type of athlete back there. He can jump higher, is definitely stronger and he's got a composure about him that is settling for the rest of the team.
NEW FACES
Western Michigan added several new faces in the offseason, beginning with transfers Stephen Belanger (South Carolina), Jonathan Robinson (Marquette), Praise Maduekwe (San Diego), Matt Lockwood (Dixie State) and Hunter Morse (Michigan State). Freshmen A.J. Boucher, Tanner Hodgson, Carson Hodgson and Noah Dietrich. Lockwood, Morse, and the Hodgson twins played significant minutes in both of WMU's exhibition games. Morse started both games in goal for the Broncos.
"Hunter was a three-year starter from Michigan State. He comes in with a lot of experience and has done really well through preseason camp," Wiseman said. "I think he's a next-level type of goalkeeper and I think he's looking to have the best season of his college career here with the Broncos."
Lockwood was also a starter at outside back.
"Matt has an engine that doesn't stop," Wiseman added. "He is willing to do all the dirty work and he's extremely fit and strong and tricky on the ball. He was a captain at Dixie State and stepped in right away with his leadership traits."
The Hodgson twins also bring something different when they're on the field.
"We knew they were talented when we recruited them. They have played all three preseason games and got a few starts. When they are on the field, we're simply a better team. Those two guys are going to continue to grow as the season goes on."
