KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan women's soccer team will look to maintain first place in the Mid-American Conference standings when it hosts Buffalo on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the WMU Soccer Complex.
LAST TIME OUT
Western Michigan moved into sole possession of first place in the Mid-American Conference by defeating Kent State, 2-0, on Thursday night at Dix Stadium.
The Broncos got goals from
Heidi Thomasma and
Jenna Blackburn in the winning effort and collected their 10th win of the season.
MAC CHAMPIONSHIP RACE
The Broncos have secured a berth in the MAC Tournament and now turn their sights to potentially winning the conference outright and hosting the league tournament.
With just two games to play in the regular season, WMU holds a one-point advantage over Bowling Green and three-point edge over Ball State. The Broncos finish the season with Buffalo and Toledo. Ball State and Bowling Green will play on Sunday, Oct. 22.
The Broncos can clinch at least a share of the conference title on Sunday afternoon with a win and BGSU tie or loss.
NATIONALLY RANKED DEFENSE
Western Michigan has been an all-around solid team, but the defense has been pivotal to the success. The Broncos have collected nine clean sheets, which ranks tied-for-21st in the nation. Along with that, the Broncos' goal differential of 16 is tied-for-64th nationally.
Goalkeeper
Lauren Boafo is tied-for-eighth in the country with nine clean sheets this season. WMU has earned three consecutive shutouts and six in MAC play.
SCOUTING THE BULLS
Buffalo leads the all-time series 12-10-7, but WMU is better in Kalamazoo, holding a 6-3-5 edge. Over the last 10 meetings, the Broncos are 3-4-3 against the Bulls.
Buffalo is currently tied for fifth in the conference standings with Kent State. The top six teams make the MAC Tournament.
Buffalo is led by the best goal scorer in the conference in Katie Krohn. She leads the MAC in total goals with 12 this season. She has also chipped in three assists. Aiding the offensive attack are Leah Wengender and Arianna Zumpano. The duo has combined for 26 points on nine goals and eight assists.
In net, the Bulls have split time between Rebecca Winslow and Lexie Thompson. Thompson is 4-1-2 with a 0.73 goals against average and .762 save percentage, while Winslow has collected a 3-2-4 record, 1.23 goals against average and .694 save percentage.
