PICTURED ABOVE: Sara Bakke tallied the game-winning goal for the Thunder in 49th minute at Luther.

Decorah, Iowa - The Thunder women's soccer team utilized a second half goal to earn a 1-0 victory at Luther College (0-4-3) on Saturday afternoon. Wheaton (5-1-0) overcame playing with 10 players for the final 29 minutes of the match to hang on for the win.

The two teams battled through a scoreless first half as Wheaton out-shot the Norse 11-1 in the first 45 minutes, with each team taking one shot on goal.

Thunder freshman Sara Bakke tallied her second goal of the season in the opening minutes of the second half. Bakke sent the ball bending into the upper left corner of the goal in the 49th minute on a long shot to give the Thunder a 1-0 lead. In the 61st minute, Wheaton was registered a red card as the Thunder played with 10 players for the remainder of the match. Wheaton had a strong scoring opportunity thwarted in the 75th minute when Suzanne Kimble's shot was stopped by Luther goalkeeper Kennedy Bergren. Luther's final, and best, scoring opportunity came in the 89th minute when Hanna Christopher of the Norse had a 1-on-1 opportunity to score. However, the key save by Thunder goalkeeper Lauren Ketchum kept the hosts of the scoreboard and allowed Wheaton to hold on for the victory.  Wheaton out-shot Luther 16-6 in the second half, including a 6-4 edge in shots on goal for the Thunder.

Wheaton held a 27-7 advantage in shots for the match, including a 7-5 edge in shots on goal. The Thunder were awarded nine corner kicks in the match, with none for the Norse.

Wheaton goalkeeper Lauren Ketchum made five saves in 90 minutes of work to record her third shutout of the season, in three starts. Luther's Kennedy Bergren made six saves and allowed one goal on the afternoon in the Norse net.

Wheaton travels to UW-La Crosse on September 19 for a 4:00 p.m. matchup with the Eagles