Wheaton, Ill. -- Another home match, another clean sheet win for the Wheaton women's soccer team. The Carthage Firebirds were the latest visitors to come into Joe Bean Stadium hoping to find a way through a resolute Thunder back line, but the hosts did not allow their Senior Day opponents to score a goal, and Wheaton picked up their third consecutive shutout victory in conference play. Morgan Beamer scored the lone goal of today's contest with her first strike of the season, and the Thunder's record improves to 3-1-1 in conference play as a result of this evening's win.

The match began in competitive fashion as both sides tested the opposition's goalkeeper and tried to assert their control over proceedings. Carthage's chances were fewer in quantity in the opening stages, but the Firebirds looked dangerous on the break and the Thunder back line was forced to stay alert. Wheaton began knocking on the door around the 15 minute mark and registered four shots on target in the next ten minutes of play. While the hosts grew in confidence and momentum, they were unable to solve Carthage's defensive challenge and it appeared as though the first half would end scoreless. Wheaton's attack-minded left back ensured that this was not the case, however, as Beamer collected a back pass from Mia Blair in between the Carthage box and the sideline in the 38th minute and floated an arcing ball to the back post. Whether she meant to shoot herself or it was merely a pinpoint cross that did not need a helping hand is unknown, but the ball ended up in the back of the net as its trajectory caught the Carthage keeper off guard. Fortuitous or not, Wheaton had their deserved lead and the Firebirds were unable to come up with a response before halftime.

Wheaton started the second 45 brightly, but their pressure did not result in a cushion-expanding second score. Ultimately, the Thunder only posted one shot on target in the second half, but this shortage did not cost them because of how well the team's defensive unit controlled the match. Lauren Ketchum got to mark her Senior Day with a clean sheet win and only needed to make one save after halftime which came in the final two minutes of play. While the hosts may have hoped for a larger scoreline upon the final whistle, they got the result they wanted and another smooth defensive performance allowed them to remain on track in conference play. 

The Thunder posted 13 shots to Carthage's eight and put four more on target than their Wisconsin visitors. Both teams earned three corner kicks, but Wheaton forced six saves from the Firebirds while Ketchum had to make just three in the 90 minutes of action. Morgan Beamer fired off two shot attempts including her winning goal, while Rebekah Max led the team with a pair of shots on target. Fellow senior Sophie Lindquist, Lauren Walmer, Myah Schoolman, and Emily Setran all contributed one shot on frame this evening.

The Thunder women's team are now enjoying their longest run without conceding a goal since October of 2019 when Wheaton secured five consecutive shutout victories. This year's squad will hope to match that mark when they play their fourth consecutive and final home contest of the regular season on Wednesday night against Augustana.