Decatur, Ill. -- Following consecutive home matches at Joe Bean Stadium, the Thunder women's soccer team headed back out on the road this evening for a conference test at Millikin University. The hosting Big Blue emerged with a 2-0 win on Saturday, dropping Wheaton's season record to 6-8-1 and a 3-2-1 mark in CCIW play. With two matches remaining in their conference schedule, the Thunder will stay on the road on Wednesday night before returning home for the regular season finale one week later.
The full time box score stats from this evening's matchup reflect an even contest, with Wheaton attempting two more shots than its host across the 90 minutes and edging possession of the ball at a 52-48% split. Both sides put four efforts on target in the game, and Millikin took five corner kicks to Wheaton's four. The Thunder played a clean game and were whistled for just three fouls, while the Big Blue were penalized 11 times.
Four different Wheaton players registered a shot on target tonight, with
Katherine Ashley,
Kate Creighton,
Grace Crowder, and
Emily Setran each steering an attempt on frame.
Elizabeth Netz made a pair of saves in goal for the Thunder on Saturday.
Both teams took an early shot attempt within the first five minutes of the game, but it took nearly 20 for either squad to put one on target. Creighton logged the opening effort on goal, and the save she drew was followed in quick succession by a pair of Thunder corner kicks as the visitors looked to go in front. But it was the home side that took the lead in the 28th minute, as Millikin steered a shot into the lower right side of the net from its first attempt on target. Crowder nearly equalized on 34 minutes, but her hit towards the bottom left corner was turned aside and the hosts maintained their slim advantage at the halftime break.
The Big Blue put their next effort on goal just 20 seconds into the second period and started the half with a determined attacking outlook. Before Wheaton could find a solution to the resolute Millikin back line, the Decatur outfit doubled its lead in the 63rd minute with a quality finish into the upper right corner of the goal. The hosts then hit the crossbar seven minutes later, and the Thunder did not have another look at the Big Blue goal until Setran drew a team save with her effort on 77 minutes. Ashley then forced a stop from Millikin's reserve keeper with two minutes left, but the home side managed to protect its two-goal lead and saw the game out well to claim an important victory as it vies for a spot in the upcoming conference tournament.
Wheaton faces another road test on Wednesday night, as the Thunder travel to Waukesha, Wisconsin to take on conference leaders Carroll University at 7 PM.
