PREVIEW: Falcons and Broncos Set for MAC Championship Showdown

Jonathan Turner
Nov 6
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two of the Mid-American Conference’s best will square off under the lights at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday night, as Bowling Green State University takes on Western Michigan University in the MAC

Women’s Soccer Championship.

For Bowling Green (10-2-9, 4-1-7 MAC), it’s been a postseason surge built on resilience and remarkable defense. For top-seeded Western Michigan (15-3-2, 9-1-2 MAC), it’s been a season of dominance, capped by a gritty semifinal victory. Now, both programs are just one win away from the MAC crown.

Falcons Fly on O’Malley’s Heroics

Bowling Green advanced to the title match after a dramatic semifinal win over second-seeded Miami. Following 110 minutes of scoreless soccer, the Falcons prevailed 4–3 in penalty kicks — thanks largely to the steady hands of sophomore goalkeeper Payton O’Malley.

O’Malley denied two Miami penalty attempts, including the clincher from Jaden Sink, to send the sixth-seeded Falcons back to the MAC final. Offensively, BG got conversion goals in the shootout from Emme Butera, Minah Syam, Emma Stransky, and Ellie Pool.

The victory extended a remarkable run for Bowling Green, which has made a habit of thriving in tight contests. The Falcons have allowed just one goal in their last six matches, relying on composure, structure, and O’Malley’s late-season form.

Broncos Battle Through to the Final

Western Michigan earned its spot in the championship by edging Ball State 1–0 in Tuesday’s semifinal. Abigail Baldridge provided the lone goal in the 13th minute, finishing a setup from Avery Peters.

The Broncos, who lead the league in goals scored, showed they can win with defense too — holding the Cardinals scoreless despite a strong second-half push. WMU has now won four straight and hasn’t conceded a goal since

Oct. 17.

With offensive firepower from Peters, Drew Martin, and Meredith Vance, and a back line anchored by Abby Smothers, the Broncos have been the MAC’s most balanced side all season.

History and What’s at Stake

This will mark the fifth MAC Championship appearance in seven years for Bowling Green, which captured the tournament title in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Western Michigan last lifted the trophy in 2013 but is chasing its first under head coach Jason Buchberger.

Both teams have already secured winning seasons, but the stakes couldn’t be higher — the MAC title and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament hang in the balance.

Final Whistle

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday (Nov. 8) at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus. The match will be streamed live on the ESPN family of networks, with live stats available through the MAC’s official website.

A defensive duel? A breakout offensive battle? Either way, one thing is certain — a new champion will rise from the heart of Ohio on Friday night.

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