GAME STATS PICTURED ABOVE: Josh Clark recorded a hat trick with three goals in Wheaton's 4-2 win over Principia on Saturday night.

Wheaton, Ill.- On a night when the Thunder honored the most explosive offensive in Wheaton men's soccer history, senior Josh Clark put on an offensive performance for the ages.  Clark tallied three goals to lead the Thunder (2-0) past Principia College 4-2 in front of a crowd that included the 1997 NCAA Div. III National Champions who were honored at halftime by being inducted into the Wheaton Hall of Honor as part of the 15-year anniversary of their undefeated season.  The hat trick was the first for the Thunder since Ari Hyde and Tyler Risma each scored a trio of goals in the same game against North Central on Oct. 6, 2006.

Much as they did on Friday night, Wheaton wasted no time in getting their offense in rhythm.  In the sixth minute, Principia (0-2) was called for a foul just outside their own box leading to a Thunder free kick.  Clark capitalized on the opportunity by firing a rocket on the ground just inside the near post for his first goal of the young season.

Ten minutes later it was Clark again finishing a set piece by rising at the far post and heading home a beautifully placed corner kick off the boot of Noah Anthony giving the Thunder a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Principia was on the defensive for most of the first half and barely managed to keep the Thunder from ballooning the lead any further.  In the 32nd minute, Stephen Golz looked to have given the Thunder a three-goal lead but his header was headed off the goal line by a Panther defender to preserve the 2-0 score.  Two minutes later Kevin Skinker broke free behind the defense on a give and go with Nathan Jasperse, but his volley sailed high.

The Panthers were able to break the score board right before halftime.  Leif Carlson blasted home an ambitious one-time volley from 30 yards out to cut the lead to 2-1 and give Principia some momentum going into halftime.  That momentum carried over again into the opening minutes of the second half when Nate Waters drilled a line drive into the top corner of the net past Thunder keeper Derek Babb to tie the game at two.  Babb recorded one save on the night while allowing two goals.

Wheaton would battle right back and retake the lead in the 56th minute.  Freshman Elliot Borge was able to turn the corner on the edge of the box and fire off a shot that went off the hands of Principia goalie Matt Jones and bounced free in front of the net.  Chad Musgraves was there to tap home the loose ball for his second goal in as many games.  Jones allowed four goals while making four saves in 72:43 of action for the Panthers.  Jake Roometua finished the last 17:17 with a pair of saves.

Not comfortable with a one-goal lead, Clark completed his hat trick in the 69th minute to give the Thunder an insurance goal.  Musgraves and Anthony assisted on the goal as they set up Clark for the shot that broke through the wall and then slipped through Jones' hands and over the goal line.

Wheaton outshot the Panthers 24-10 and also won the corner kick battle 6-2.

The Thunder will return to action at 3 PM (PT) on Friday afternoon when they take on Pacific Lutheran University in Spokane, Washington.  While in Washington, Wheaton will also face Whitworth University at 3 PM on Saturday afternoon in Spokane.

PHOTO GALLERY, COURTESY OF WWW.THUNDERPHOTOS.COM