PICTURED ABOVE: Sean Dunlop's game-winning goal in the 20th minute held up to give Wheaton its first victory against a nationally-ranked opponent in the regular season since 2015.

Decorah, Iowa, - The Wheaton men's soccer team defeated Luther College 1-0 on Saturday afternoon under hot conditions in Iowa. The Thunder victory against the No. 18 ranked Norse (6-1-0) marked Wheaton's (3-1-1) first win against a nationally-ranked opponent in the regular season since a victory against University of Chicago on September 25, 2015.

Luther controlled possession for much of the first half. However, it was Wheaton that struck first on the scoreboard. A Thunder corner kick in the 20th minute setup Sean Dunlop's first goal of the season to give the guests a 1-0 advantage. Dunlop's go-ahead goal, assisted by senior captain Andrew Wade, slipped past Luther goalkeeper Carson Davenport and into the lower left corner of the net for the 1-0 Thunder advantage. Dunlop's goal was Wheaton's second shot of the match, and first shot on goal. The Norse out-shot Wheaton's 9-3 in the opening half, including a 3-2 edge in shots on goal.

The Norse continue to control the ball in the second half. Luther attempted nine shots in the second half, including four shots on goal. Wheaton had five shots in the final 45 minutes, with zero shots on goal. Thunder goalkeeper Hasten Biddlecome was impressive in the second half, making four saves to keep the shutout alive as Wheaton emerged with the impressive victory.

Biddlecome (PICTURED LEFT) was credited with seven saves in the shutout for the Thunder. Davenport made one save and allowed one goal in the Norse net.

Luther attempted 18 shots in the match, including seven shots on goal. The Thunder had eight shot attempts in the contest, with two shots on goal for the guests. The Norse were awarded seven corner kicks in the match and Wheaton had two.

Wheaton returns home Monday night at 7:00 p.m. to entertain Aurora University  in a non-conference matchup at Joe Bean Stadium.