Broncos Defend Seelye Invitational Challenge Cup

Confined to playing indoor in a 9 v 9 format due to inclement weather in the Kalamazoo area the Broncos came out to a flying start in the tournaments first semifinal defeating NAIA opponent Spring Arbor 5-2. WMU head coach Stu Riddle was very pleased with his team's semifinal performance.

"We moved the ball quickly and with a purpose which was very pleasing. We created a lot of goal scoring chances and I was happy that we captilized on enough of them to get us by a tough Spring Arbor side."

In the tournament's second semifinal NCAA Division II powerhouse Saginaw Valley State shocked IPFW 5-1 setting up a final with the Broncos.

The consolation game between IPFW and Spring Arbor proved to be a very entertaining, as the Mastodoans recovered from a 2-0 halftime deficit to defeat Spring Arbor 4-3. The winning goal came just two minutes from the end of regulation.

In the tournament final, Western Michigan managed to overcome a spirited challenge from Saginaw Valley in front of a vocal home crowd by a score line of 3-2 to retain the Seelye Invitational Challenge Cup for another season. Oliver Mayer scored twice in the championship match with Luis Lemus adding the Broncos' third goal to lead the Broncos to a 3-0 record on the Spring season.

"This is a tournament that my players, staff and I really enjoy and today was no exception," Riddle said. "We got to play two fantastically coached teams that pushed us all the way and I am delighted for this energetic and positive group of players that we have because this means a lot to them."

During the shortened Spring season, teams are allowed five competition dates against other collegiate programs, as well as one competition date against an international team.

Next up for the Broncos is a March 17 home matchup against Grand Rapids-based NAIA opponent Aquinas College followed by home games against Notre Dame College and Detroit on March 24. WMU travels to South Bend, Ind., April 1 to face Notre Dame and DePaul. The Broncos round out their Spring season with a home match against in state rival Michigan State, April 7.