BOXSCORE

Bloomington, Ill. – The Thunder men's soccer team won a 3-0 decision at Illinois Wesleyan University on Wednesday night, and as a result, the Thunder secured the 2010 CCIW Men's Soccer Championship. The conference championship is Wheaton's league-best 16th CCIW Title and the second in three years under fourth-year head coach Mike Giuliano.

Wheaton took a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute when junior Drew Golz passed off to Jason Lollar who booted a right-footed kick to the far post for his third goal of the year. Wheaton maintained its 1-0 lead at halftime.

Senior Stephen Mesko (PICTURED RIGHT) scored in the 56th minute to give Wheaton a 2-0 advantage. Mesko broke loose with the ball at midfield and had only the keeper to beat as the captain expertly placed the ball in the back of the net to extend his team's lead. Wheaton's decisive third goal came in the 63rd minute when freshman Chad Musgraves led a long pass to fellow rookie Jordan Golz who was in front of all Titan defenders, with just the IWU goalkeeper to beat, which he accomplished.

Tonight's conference championship victory marked Wheaton's seventh straight win after starting the season 2-6-3. Giuliano noted following the match, “I think tonight's performance can only be understood in the context of how the season began. Despite the fact that it was against tough competition, it was a rough, rough start to the season. Tonight this team clinched a conference regular season championship, we have not met nearly every goal we want to meet, but we are on our way.” He continued, “What an amazing turnaround, and I think it comes from the fact that these boys kept their positive attitudes, they didn't get discouraged and they didn't doubt themselves when things were going bad.”

Wheaton out-shot the Titans 15-7, with a 9-2 edge in shots on goal. Wheaton was awarded six corner kicks in the match, while Illinois Wesleyan had four. Wheaton goalkeeper Ryan Seager made two saves in recording the shutout. Titan netminder Frank Gorg made six saves and allowed three goals in 90 minutes of work.

As the CCIW Champion, Wheaton has earned the number-one seed to next week's CCIW Men's Soccer Tournament. The Thunder will host a CCIW Tournament Semifinal match on Wednesday, November 3 at 7 PM against the tournament's fourth-seed.

Wheaton is now 9-6-3 on the year, with a flawless 6-0-0 mark in conference play. Illinois Wesleyan falls to 6-7-2 overall and 3-2-1 in CCIW action. The Thunder will close out the regular season on Saturday night at 7 PM when Millikin visits the 'Orange and Blue' at Joe Bean Stadium.