GAME STATS PICTURED ABOVE: Sophomore Annie Wooldridge scored a goal and had an assist in the come-from-behind win against Carthage.
Wheaton, Ill. – The Wheaton women's soccer team, ranked number-one in Division III according to
this week's NSCAA Division III Coaches Poll, defeated Carthage College 2-1 on Wednesday at Joe Bean Stadium.
The two teams played to a scoreless first half, despite Wheaton out-shooting the Lady Reds 10-2. Carthage took the lead early in the second half as the Lady Reds took advantage of an opportunity well in front of the goal. Wheaton goalkeeper
Alexa Sharkey deflected the ball outside of the box; however, Carthage's Rachel Post collected the ball and scored her fifth goal of the year to give the Lady Reds a 1-0 lead at the 52:44 mark of the match.
Wheaton countered with consistent pressure on the Carthage defense and it paid off with a goal from five yards out of net by
Leah DeMoss (PICTURED LEFT) that was assisted on a well-placed pass by
Annie Wooldridge at the 64:15 mark of the match. Wheaton maintained its pressure and Thunder sophomore
Annie Wooldridge was fouled about two yards inside the 18-yard box and she was awarded a penalty kick. Wooldridge converted the penalty kick at the 66:54 mark of the match to give Wheaton its 2-1 lead. Wheaton out-shot the Lady Reds 11-2 in the second half.
The Thunder owned a 21-4 advantage in shots during the match and Wheaton owned an 8-1 edge in corner kicks. Thunder goalkeeper
Kelsey Graham started and played the majority of time in the net for the Thunder, making two saves, with no goals allowed in 76 minutes.
Alexa Sharkey played 14 minutes, with no saves and one goal allowed. Carthage goalkeeper Abby Alm played all 90 minutes, making six saves, with two goals allowed.
Today's match was the conference opener for both teams as Wheaton remains undefeated with a 10-0-0 record and a 1-0-0 mark in CCIW play. Carthage is now 6-2-0 on the year and 0-1-0 in conference action. Wheaton will host North Central College on Friday afternoon at 4:30 PM in another conference contest.
