KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Mid-American Conference heavyweights Western Michigan and nationally No. 5 ranked Akron went toe-to-toe Saturday in a thrilling 1-1 tie at the WMU Soccer Complex.

With the result, the Broncos have not lost a regular-season match to Akron since 2013.

Junior Adam Najem gave Akron a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute, volleying a ball over WMU keeper Drew Shepherd who was drawn off his line to the top of the box. Shepherd attempted to make a clearance but did not strike the ball clean off a bad bounce. Najem collected and put his shot over the top for his seventh goal of the season.

It was just the second goal allowed by Shepherd this season, who shook off the miscue and made big play after big play the rest of the game. Shepherd entered the contest as the nation's leader for goals-against average and save percentage.

Western Michigan pulled even before the half on senior midfielder Sean Conerty's goal in the 29th minute. Conerty rocketed a free kick on the left from 20 yards out which had enough power behind it that it went through the hands of Akron goalie Jake Fenlason. It was Conerty's second goal of his career.

WMU's Carlos Suarez nearly had the golden goal in the final seconds of the second overtime, breaking free from the defense. Fenlason made a remarkable diving save however to preserve the tie.

“It was an impressive performance today by the Broncos and I am very proud of the commitment and effort we gave for 110 minutes,” WMU head coach Chad Wiseman said. 

“To be perfectly honest I thought the men deserved more out of the game. We gifted Akron its goal and they are too good of a team to make that error, but our team showed great character to respond and get the goal back." 

Western Michigan pounded Akron for 20 shots, including 10 on goal. Akron took seven shots and Shepherd made two saves. The WMU defense also made one team save.

“We were very dangerous in the final third," Wiseman said. "Credit to Akron's goalkeeper who came up big on several occasions in both halves and definitely in the second overtime.

“It was a great atmosphere at the soccer complex today for Homecoming. Our program would like to thank the community for coming out and making it a special place to play."

WMU's record moves to 8-3-3 on the season and 1-1-1 in the Mid-American Conference. Akron's record is now 11-2-3 and 2-0-1 in the MAC. The draw to Western Michigan snapped a seven-game winning streak for the Zips.

Western Michigan is on the road for its next three contests, traveling to Michigan (10/27), Northern Illinois (10/31) and Bradley (11/3). The Broncos face Buffalo in the final regular season game, hosting the Bulls on Nov. 7, which will also be Senior Day for WMU.