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Broncos Open MAC Play with Loss to NIU

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan men's soccer team dropped its Mid-American Conference opener at home against Northern Illinois, 3-0, on Saturday afternoon.

NIU took an early 1-0 lead when former Bronco and NIU transfer Pepe Martinez gave the Huskies a 1-0 lead after punching in a rebound on a shot by Nick Markanich in the 27th minute.

The Broncos had some chances in the first half but were unable to find the net.

Northern Illinois put the game out of reach with two quick goals in the second half. Markanich scored his NCAA-leading 12th goal of the season in the 67th minute and then Enrique Banuelos scored from the right corner of the box to push the lead to 3-0.