Broncos Knock Off the Chippewas

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Oct. 16) - Western Michigan moved a step closer to a league title with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Central Michigan in the home finale at the WMU Soccer Complex. The victory improved WMU's record to 7-1 in the Mid-American Conference, solidifying the Broncos' hold on first place with three games remaining.

"I thought we played our most complete game of the season," said coach Mike Haines, who saw his team win for the eighth time in nine games. "I was pleased with our numbers in the attack, even though we didn't do as well finishing our chances in the first half. We did a better job in the second half and accomplished what we set out to do * control our destiny in the MAC."

Central Michigan (6-7-2/5-2-1 MAC), which entered the game just a point out of first behind WMU, scored the game's first goal in the 43rd minute. Coming off the bench, midfielder Sarah Burns jarred the ball from goalkeeper Kate Perz' grasp in the box and shot into an open net.

The Broncos (9-5-1) evened the contest in the 62nd minute on Stacy Rogers' one-time volley off a cross from Stephanie Johnson. The game-winner occurred nine minutes later when Mandi Marsh intercepted a pass from goalkeeper Anne Decker and buried a low liner.

The victory allowed WMU to finish unbeaten at home (6-0-1). The Broncos travel to Miami (Oct. 21) and Ball State (Oct. 23) next week before concluding the regular season at Northern Illinois on Oct. 28.