GAME STATS PICTURED ABOVE: Adam Blackman scored the lone goal for the Thunder in their 2-1 loss at Hope College on Saturday.

Holland, Mich.- The #4-ranked Wheaton men's soccer team suffered their first loss of the young season on Saturday night, falling 2-1 at Hope College. The loss drops the Thunder to 2-1 on the season while Hope improves to 2-1-1. Wheaton is now winless (0-2-1) in their last three matches against Hope dating back to 2009.

Wheaton outshot the Flying Dutchmen 16-11 with a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. Wheaton goalie Derek Babb made one save and allowed two goals while Hope keeper Will Morlock made eight saves and allowed one goal.

Hope took an early lead in the match with a fortunate bounce in the ninth minute when Wheaton scored an own goal off a throw-in by Grant Neil giving Hope a 1-0 lead that would stay until halftime.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 69th minute when Tarwo Konbloa scored his first goal of the year off an assist from Neil to put Hope up 2-1.

Wheaton cut the lead in half minutes later when Adam Blackman scored his second goal of the season in the 72nd minute. The Thunder had several prime chances in the closing minutes of the game but couldn't find the equalizer and fell 2-1.

The Thunder will return home on Tuesday, September 10 to host the University of Chicago. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM.