KALAMAZOO, Mich -- The Broncos travel to Ypsilanti on Thursday for an in-state showdown against a MAC rival in Eastern Michigan. The contest will help decide a true number one in the MAC standings, as both teams enter with a 4-1-1 conference record, tying them for first place. 

The game will not be available for broadcast. 

LAST TIME OUT
The Broncos earned a 1-0 victory on Sunday during the Cancer Awareness game. An early goal from Simone Sharpless was all the Brown and Gold needed to improve to 4-1-1 in the MAC, good for a first place tie with Eastern Michigan. WMU improved to a 6-3-4 overall record. 

SULAVER STANDS TALL
Goalkeeper Reagan Sulaver delivered a great performance in what was a clean sheet victory for WMU on Sunday. With the Broncos protecting their one point advantage for nearly 89 minutes, Sulaver stood tall across five shots on goal from Buffalo.

In the 63rd minute, Sulaver made a pair of saves to deny the equalizer, the first forcing her down low before she got right back up for a leaping save. The effort proved to be enough, as the Broncos closed out the victory behind Sulaver's performance.

BRONCOS STRIKE EARLY
Freshman Simone Sharpless gave the Broncos an early boost against Buffalo, scoring the only goal of the contest. Just 67 seconds in, Meredith Vance intercepted a Bulls pass and found Sharpless wide open for the 1-0 lead.

Early strikes have been the bread and butter for the Broncos this year, as the team improves to a 4-0-1 record when scoring first. The Broncos also hold a 5-1-3 record when out shooting their opponent.

ROAD WARRIORS
Western Michigan goes back on the road for the first time since a 7-1 victory over Kent State. The Broncos are unbeaten on the road through conference play thus far, going on the road to beat Ohio, Toledo, and Kent State by a combined score of 13-3.

The Broncos also hold a 4-1-1 record overall in away games this season.

SCOUTING THE EAGLES
EMU enters Thursdays contest coming off of a 3-1 loss to Miami. Previous to that loss, EMU had been on a 5 game stretch that included 623 straight minutes without a goal allowed for goalkeeper Ella Holland. Eastern held their first 11 opponents to just four total goals, positioning Holland as a potential MAC Goalkeeper of the Year. Christine Fransen leads the Eagles on offense with five goals on the season.

The Eagles come in tied with the Broncos for the conference lead, after Thursday a standalone leader will be decided.