Wheaton, Ill. -- The Wheaton women's soccer team squared off against a nationally ranked opponent for the first time this season on Wednesday night, and despite the 1-0 defeat to the #13 Chicago Maroons, the Thunder put a strong shift in and equipped themselves well for large stretches of the contest. The Maroons' lone goal of the game came from a penalty kick after a handball was given against Wheaton in the opening minutes of the second half. The home side had several good looks at goal but failed to find the equalizer in the final stretch, and the visitors escaped Joe Bean Stadium with a narrow victory. The Thunder's record drops to 1-2-1 as a result of tonight's defeat.

Wheaton generated 10 shots through the 90 minutes of play, but only one was on frame - an effort from Carlye Fatum midway through the first half. Chicago registered 17 shots and put six attempts on goal, requiring reigning CCIW defensive player of the week Lauren Ketchum to be on her toes throughout the match, and the senior claimed five saves. The Maroons held a 7-4 edge in corner kicks and out-possessed Wheaton on the ball by the smallest of margins, 51-49%. UChicago employed a physical style of play, earning 10 fouls and one yellow card from the head referee. Wheaton had a number of periods of sharp ball movement and dangerous counterattacking moves that led to chances, including a late corner kick that produced a half-chance at goal off of a volley from Fatum. But Chicago managed the game expertly and refused to let the hosts find a way back into the match after seizing the lead off of the penalty kick. Tonight's match featured impressive defensive displays from both units, and while the Thunder will be disappointed in not having anything to show from the final score, they can take pride from holding a team that has already registered 12 goals this season scoreless from open play. The Maroons eventually got the win they were expecting, but a 0-0 halftime score and tenacious play from Wheaton held that result in doubt for a majority of the contest.

After three straight home matches, Wheaton's nonconference tour heads back out on the road this weekend. The Thunder are scheduled to face UW-LaCrosse in Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon before a tilt with Calvin in Grand Rapids on Tuesday night.