KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan men's soccer team earned another point in Missouri Valley Conference play on Homecoming Weekend at WMU Soccer Complex.

Bronco goalkeeper Alex Lindewirth earned his first shutout for Western Michigan in a 0-0 tie with the Northern Illinois Huskies on Saturday afternoon. The Brown and Gold controlled most of the match, keeping possession for almost 50 minutes and outshooting the Huskies 15 to 10. Sophomore midfielder Braden Stevanovic led WMU with 3 shots while four other Bronco players had two shots through 90 minutes.

"Congratulations to the boys on their first shutout of the season," said Head Coach Chad Wiseman after the match. "We've been working hard defensively in training, and it showed in today's match."

WMU's offense got going early, taking the first four shots of the match. The Brown and Gold held Northern Illinois without a shot for almost 20 minutes in the first half at The Farm. Western Michigan added two more shots before the end of the first 45 minutes as the Huskies picked up their offensive pace. NIU had three attempts in the final 10 minutes of the half, with two saves for Lindewirth.

The Broncos began the second half almost identical to the first, with four shots in the first 10 minutes. WMU continued peppering Northern Illinois' goalkeeper, not giving the Huskies an opportunity in their attacking third until the 62^nd minute. The Brown and Gold had their best scoring opportunity in the 75^th minute as sophomore defender Christian Shannon was almost the hero for the second match in a row.

A free kick from senior forward Jonathan Stout on the near side of the 18 came straight to Shannon just inside the penalty area. Shannon was quick to get a foot on the ball, but NIU's goalkeeper made a jumping save to the right to keep it at a 0-0 draw. Northern Illinois had a close opportunity with a wide-open net in the 87^th minute. But the Huskie forward aimed his shot too high, as it sailed over the crossbar to help Western Michigan to its first shutout of conference action.

Lindewirth set a new career-high in his first individual shutout performance of 2025. The redshirt junior keeper saved five attempts from NIU to earn the SHO. Stevanovic match-leading three shots was also a career record for the sophomore midfielder. While Shannon, Stout, forward Sahel Yessen, and midfielder Gabe Villagomez had two shots a piece.

The Broncos return to the road next week on Saturday, Oct. 18. WMU will head to Peoria for a late-night matchup with the Bradley Braves. Kick-off from Shea Stadium is set for 8 p.m. EST.