KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan men's soccer team opened the 2015 season with a 2-0 shutout over visiting Marshall Friday at the WMU Soccer Complex.

Freshman midfielder Cameron Sipple registered a goal in his first collegiate outing to put WMU up 1-0 at halftime. Sophomore midfielder Brandon Bye added a second-half tally to lead the Broncos to victory.

Western Michigan took 11 shots each half and six corner kicks in the game. The Bronco defense held Marshall to just six shots and did not allow a corner kick. Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Drew Shepherd made four saves to preserve the clean sheet.

"I thought the guys played a complete 90 minutes today," said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. "We were able to control the tempo of the game and created numerous scoring opportunities.  

"Our commitment to stop the counter attacks was fantastic. We may have left a few goals out there today but we will get better in that area as the season goes on. Marshall had a few talented players that we identified, and I thought we did an absolute superb job defensively on those players.

"It's a great way to start the season, I am very happy for the guys."

Sipple subbed into the game in the 42nd minute and found the back of the net just over a minute later. The goal was a result of a free kick, as Sipple was able to poke a ball to the left of the keeper from the six. Senior Sean Conerty served the ball from the right side just outside the box. Senior Nick Wysong and sophomore Zach Bock each had a touch before the ball found Sipple and were credited with assists.

Bye's goal was also his career first, coming in the 55th minute. Junior Edu Jimenez booted a corner kick from the right and Bye headed it through the hands of Marshall goalkeeper Bijan Gloston on the backside.

The Broncos finish up the weekend traveling to IPFW for their first away match on Sunday and then are on the road at IUPUI on Sept. 6. Western Michigan returns to Kalamazoo to host the first annual Radisson Invitational Sept. 11 & 13.