KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan men's soccer team and head coach
Chad Wiseman will look to make history against Akron University tomorrow at WMU Soccer Complex. Wiseman has his eyes set on dethroning Blake Glass (1983-1997, 125 wins) with win 126 for the WMU men's soccer head coaching all-time wins crown. Glass has owned the prestigious all-time wins crown for nearly 30 years (since 1996). Kickoff for the contest is scheduled at 5:00 PM. For tickets, visit
https://wmubroncos.evenue.net/events/SOC. The game will be streamed on Bronco All-Access.
Last Time Out / Colin Welsh: MVC DPOW
The Brown and Gold defeated the ninth-ranked University of New Hampshire this past Sunday on the road 1-0 behind redshirt junior midfielder Connor Burkett's game-winning goal. Defensively, goalkeeper Colin Welsh recorded his first shutout as a member of the Brown and Gold behind five saves. Welsh's efforts did not go unnoticed, as he earned Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Top Five in the Nation
The Broncos made an impressive debut at number five in the United Soccer Coaches'
first poll of the season on Tuesday. With their number five ranking, the Broncos climbed into the top five in the United Soccer Coaches poll for the first time since the 2017 season.
Christian Shannon: TopDrawerSoccer Player of the Week
Redshirt freshman defender Christian Shannon was named TopDrawerSoccer's Player of the Week for his efforts on the field during August 19-26. Shannon scored his first collegiate goal (and the game-winner) in WMU's 3-1 win over #14 University of Vermont last Thursday. Later, both he and Welsh helped WMU collect its first shutout of the season in a 1-0 road win over UNH on Sunday.
Scouting the Zips
Despite Akron's 0-1-1 record entering the match, the Zips have faced formidable opponents to begin the season in Notre Dame (ranked number 2 at the time of the match) and Ohio State. The Zips earned an impressive 1-1 tie at Notre Dame in South Bend last Thursday and fell to Ohio State 2-0 on Sunday.
Akron is led by senior midfielder Wan Kruzi Wan Kamal, who enters the contest with a team-leading one goal. In the assist department, redshirt senior Emil Jaask and junior Stefan Dobrijevic pace the Zips with one assist each.
Series History
Since 2017, the Broncos have held a 4-3-3 record against Akron. A win over the Zips Friday will capture the Brown and Gold's second consecutive victory over their foes from Akron, Ohio.
For all things WMU men's soccer, follow the team on Instagram, @wmu_menssoccer, X, @WMUMensSoccer, and Facebook, @wmumenssoccer.
