KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan women's soccer team announced its 2023 schedule today, with the season officially opening on Aug. 17 at Northern Kentucky. 

Prior to the start of the official regular season, the Broncos will host a pair of exhibition games against Wright State (Aug. 10) and Chicago State (Aug. 13). Following that, WMU will head to Kentucky for games against Northern Kentucky (Aug. 17) and Eastern Kentucky (Aug. 20). 

The Western Michigan home opener will take place on Aug. 27 when Butler comes to town for a Sunday afternoon clash. The following Sunday (Sept. 3), Wisconsin will head to Kalamazoo for a 1 p.m. contest. WMU will play Oakland, Michigan and Marquette to round out the non-conference schedule. 

The Brown and Gold will open Mid-American Conference play at home, as the Broncos host Northern Illinois on Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. The squad then hits the road for games at Bowling Green (Sept. 24) and rival Central Michigan (Sept. 28). 

WMU will return home for a game against Ball State on Oct. 1 before heading out to Akron, Ohio to take on the Zips on Oct. 5. The Broncos then get a mini two-game home stand, as Ohio and Miami (OH) come to town on Oct. 8 and Oct. 12, respectivley. 

The final four conference games of the season will be at Eastern Michigan, at Kent State, home against Buffalo and home against Toledo. The MAC Quarterfinals will be on Oct. 29, with the MAC Semifinals taking place on Nov. 11. The MAC Championship will kick off on Nov. 5. 

The Broncos finished last season with a 5-9-5 overall record and 5-4-2 conference mark. Last year, WMU opened conference play on a four-match unbeaten streak.