GAME STATS PICTURED ABOVE: Adam Blackman recorded a goal and an assist in Friday night's 3-0 Thunder victory over Washington University (Mo.).

St. Louis, Mo.- The Wheaton men's soccer team posted its fourth shutout of the year on Friday night in defeating Washington University (Mo.) by a score of 3-0.  The Thunder, ranked eighth in the nation in this week's NSCAA Division III Top-25 improved to 6-2.  Wash U, ranked ninth in the same poll, suffered its first loss of the year and fell to 5-1-1.

"I love that we bounced back from a tough loss with such a great effort against a top-10 team," coach Mike Giuliano noted.  "We've had two losses where we have responded against top caliber competition and acted like nothing happened.  That's what tough, resiliant teams do."

The Thunder used a quick goal spurt in the middle of the first half to open the scoring and then create some breathing room.  Marshall Hollingsworth put Wheaton on top in the 24th minute with his second goal of the season with an assist from Adam Blackman.  Just over a minute later, Blackman blasted a shot that deflected off a Bear defender and into the net to give Wheaton a 2-0 lead.

Wheaton held an 8-3 edge in shots in the first half and would have a 16-7 edge in the game. 

Early in the second half, Stephen Golz (PICTURED RIGHT) scored the first goal of his collegiate career off an assist from Josh Clark.  For Clark it was his first assist of the season.

Wheaton controlled possession through the midfield throughout the game, an effort which drew praise from Giuliano, "Josh Clark and Elliot Borge continue to be impressive in the middle of the park.  They did a great job controlling the ball and moving our offense."

Senior goalkeeper Ryan Seager posted his fourth clean sheet of the year and made two saves on the night.  The Bears' Jonathan Jebson surrendered two goals in 38:10 in net, while Michael McCarthy gave up one goal and made three saves in 51:50.  The Thunder held the edge in corner kicks 3-2.

Wheaton will be in action again at 7 PM on Saturday night when they take on the Webster University Gorloks in St. Louis.