AKRON, Ohio – The Western Michigan women's soccer team continued its hot start to the Mid-American Conference season by upending Akron 2-0 on Thursday night at FirstEnergy Stadium. The win pushes the Broncos to 7-3-2 overall and 3-0-2 in league play. 

"We are very pleased with the performance today, and getting three points on a MAC road trip is always a big achievement," head coach Lewis Robinson said. "Our ladies worked very hard and had a great week of preparation this week, and it really showed in their performance as a team tonight. We are excited to take the win home and get ready for a big game on Sunday."

FIRST HALF
It didn't take long for the Bronco offense to find its rhythm, as they got four shots in the first five minutes of the match. One of those found the back of the net, with Emily Pagett using assists from Jen Blitchok and Abby Werthman to put the Brown and Gold in front 1-0 early in the game. 

The offensive onslaught continued throughout the first half, with WMU continually testing Akron keeper Sara Bower. Blitchok had three straight shots saved in the middle portion of the half as Bower was able to keep the game within one goal for the Zips. In total, Blitchok had six shots in the first 45 minutes. 

With just under 15 minutes to play, Brielle Gomez tried her luck on net, but the Akron defense again kept the ball out of the net. With the half winding down, Reagan Wisser was close to adding another goal for the Broncos, but Bower was able to make her sixth save of the first half. With that, WMU would carry a one-goal lead into the half. 

SECOND HALF
The defenses stole the show early in the second half, but Werthman was able to break through in the 60th minute thanks to a nice pass from Jen Blitchok. The goal was Werthman's fourth of the season. 

After that goal, Werthman nearly scored another, but Bower was able to collect another save. With under 20 minutes to play Brooke Bailey would find another opportunity for WMU, but her shot missed the net. Following that, the Brown and Gold would get a pair of corners to try and up the lead to three goals. However, nothing would come of the two opportunities. 

Bria Telemaque would get the last quality chance of the night in the 82nd minute, but the shot would be saved. WMU would go on to claim a dominating 2-0 victory. Overall, Western Michigan controlled the play, leading in shots (17-2), shots on goal (10-1) and corner kicks (13-0). 

UP NEXT
The Broncos return home to host Ohio on Sunday. The game is set for 1 p.m. at the WMU Soccer Complex.