Western Michigan Broncos
Overall Rank: #32
#1 Mid-American
Western Michigan Team Page
Heading into the NCAA Tournament, Western Michigan had lost just two of their last 16 games. Then the Broncos pulled off a major upset over Marquette in the first round of the tournament before giving Notre Dame everything they could handle in a 1-0 loss in the second round. With a bevy of talent returning, this is a team that will be looking for another berth into the tournament.
2013 Record: 12-5-5, 7-2-2
2013 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Nate Norman
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Rachel Chaney, Senior, M, 8
Assists: Aubrey Sudomier, Senior, F, 8
Shots: Aubrey Sudomier, Senior, F, 54
Saves: Kaitlyn Collin, Junior, GK, 2
Other Key Returnees: F Gina Maddi, F Diana Dedvukai, M Kylie Nylen, M Nicole Hatcliffe, M Ariana Donahue, M Liz Abro, M Lacy Zahn, D Megan Ross, D Lindsey Lee
Key Losses: GK Michelle Watson, F Ali Russo, M Lauren Fearday, M Megan Putnam
Strengths:
The Broncos will have one of the more potent offenses in the Mid-American Conference. Senior midfielder Rachel Chaney is a great finisher and she led the team with eight goals. A starter since her freshman campaign, Chaney is ready to pull the strings for this team and again be the top scorer. Forwards Aubrey Sudomier and Gina Maddi are both experienced upperclassmen who are coming off of strong 2013 campaigns. Sudomier tallied a team high 20 points, scoring six goals and adding eight assists. Maddi played very well in her first season with the Broncos after transferring in from Miami (FL). She netted five goals on the year. Kylie Nylen, Nicole Hatcliffe and Diana Dedvukaj will provide Coach Nate Norman with even more attacking options.
Weaknesses:
The defense does return a lot talent, most notably Megan Ross and Lindsey Lee, but they will be in front of a new keeper. Michelle Watson had a great year, tallying ten shutouts and allowing just 18 goals in 22 matches. She was often tested but was always up to the task. Kaitlyn Collin played in four games as a sophomore, totaling just 51 minutes of action and two saves. Redshirt freshman Stephanie Heber and Makenzie Larson are also in the mix for playing time between the posts.
Final Projection:
If Western Michigan does not find a serviceable keeper, it will be a long season in Kalamazoo. This team will be more potent offensively than they were in 2013, but any drop off defensively will negate the offensive boost. The non-conference slate is a little easier this time around and that should help the Broncos gain some momentum for MAC play. Trips to Michigan State and Illinois State will certainly not be easy, but those are both winnable games.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Tournament
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 1.61 (99th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 0.865 (57, 2)
Shutout Percentage: 0.522 (25, 2)
Save Percentage: 0.817 (70, 2)
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