Broncos Take Break From MAC Play, Travel to Cincinnati
QUOTING RIDDLE
"We have a good vibe about us right now and the team is relaxed but focused on the next challenge," said WMU head coach Stu Riddle. "We had a good game with Cincinnati last year and we are excited to play."
BRONCOS REMAIN IN RANKINGS
Western Michigan was ranked in the top 10 in the NSCAA Great Lakes Regional poll for the sixth straight week, pulling the No. 8 spot. Cincinnati (5-5-3) is also ranked in the top 10, coming in at No. 10.
GRANT NAMED MAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sophomore forward Jason Grant earned his first career Mid-American Conference Player of the Week Award after totaling five points on two goals and an assist last week. Grant's goals were his second and third of the season and the assist was his second. He scored the game-tying goal in the 12th minute in an eventual 2-1 loss at Bowling Green on Friday. Two days later, he helped WMU to a 4-0 win over Florida Atlantic, assisting Cam Jensen's goal in the 87th minute, then turning around and scoring his own goal in the 89th minute.
THREE POTW MOST SINCE 2003
Grant is the third Bronco to earn MAC Player of the Week honors this season, joining senior defender Darren Jones and senior forward Shane Lyons. The three Player of the Week nods ties a single-season best for WMU, also achieved in 2003.
HEART OF A LYON
Senior forward Shane Lyons has tallied at least one point in each of the last six games, recording five goals and one assist for a total of 11 points during that stretch. Lyons missed four games early in the season rehabbing a knee injury prior to going on the hot streak. His five goals lead WMU and he currently has 18 for his career.
SETTING THE BAR STATISTICALLY
Western Michigan leads the MAC in total wins (8), goals scored (25), total points (77) and shots taken (192). The Broncos rank second in assists (27), goals per game (1.92) and goals-against average (0.73).
CLEAN SHEETS
WMU has posted five shutouts this season. Junior goalkeeper Sean Lewis has played all but one half in the five shutouts. Lewis has made 39 saves this season and has a 0.80 goals-against average.
LAST YEAR AGAINST THE BEARCATS
Western Michigan dropped a 3-1 decision to Cincinnati at the WMU Soccer Complex in the Broncos' season opener last year. The Broncos took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Lito Esquivel in the 11th minute, but then surrendered three unanswered.
SCOUTING REPORT
Cincinnati owns a 5-5-3 overall and 2-1-1 Big East record. The Bearcats have scored just seven goals this season in 13 games and allowed 12 goals against. Matt Bahner is the only player with multiple goals with two. Taylor Hafling has made 56 saves and has played every minute in goal this season. Cincinnati is coming off a 3-0 loss to No. 12/16 St. John's on Oct. 6, but had not allowed a goal in the previous six matches prior. The Broncos are 1-3 all-time against the Bearcats. WMU's lone win was a 4-3 final in Kalamazoo in 1986.
ON THE HORIZON
Western Michigan returns to Kalamazoo to host Horizon League foe Detroit Wednesday, Oct. 17. The Broncos close out the regular season with four-straight conference games, facing Hartwick (H, 10/21), Buffalo (A, 10/28), Northern Illinois (H, 10/30) and Akron (A, 11/3).
