Elmhurst, Ill. -- After a demanding stretch of non-conference fixtures to start the 2024 season, the time to begin conference action finally arrived for the Thunder women's soccer team on Saturday. Wheaton traveled to nearby Elmhurst University for its opening CCIW road match for the second-consecutive year, and just as they did in 2023, the Thunder earned a 2-0 victory this evening and prevented the Bluejays from even attempting a shot on goal in a confident display. Wheaton's record improves to 4-6 overall and 1-0 in CCIW play as a result of Saturday's contest.

The Thunder women's program arrived in Elmhurst riding a 12-match winning streak against tonight's opponents and had not conceded a goal to the Bluejays since 2018, and both of those streaks continued in Saturday's one-sided meeting. Wheaton posted 12 more shot attempts than the home side managed and put six efforts on target while limiting Elmhurst from getting any of their six shots on frame. The visitors earned five corner kicks to the Bluejays' three and registered a 54-46% possession advantage over the 90 minutes of play.

Grace Crowder was the only player to put more than one shot on target in Saturday's match, and the sophomore opened the scoring in the second half with her third goal of the campaign. Emily Setran sealed the win for Wheaton tonight from her lone effort on frame, and the goal was her fourth of the season, tied with Mia Blair for the most on the team so far in 2024. Blair collected her fifth assist of the year on Setran's strike, the second-highest mark in the CCIW this season. Kate Creighton set up Crowder for the go-ahead goal this evening, and the freshman has now assisted in both of the Thunder's road wins this fall. Marissa Davis, Lily Lindquist, and Noella Taylor each contributed one shot on target on Saturday, while Elizabeth Netz earned her most straightforward shutout yet by not having to make a single save in Wheaton's victory.

For all of the guests' statistical advantages and control over proceedings this evening, the first effort on goal did not arrive until 20 minutes into the game, when Crowder forced the first of four saves made by the Elmhurst keeper tonight. Taylor popped up with her attempt on target just seconds before the halftime whistle to nearly give Wheaton the lead at the intermission, but the first period was a decidedly cautious and defensive affair with good chances coming at a premium.

Lindquist posted the first shot on target of the second half just three minutes after the resumption of play, but the Bluejays' defensive confidence grew as the clock hit 60 minutes and their visitors were still unable to break the deadlock. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 63rd minute when Creighton received a pass from Katherine Ashley on the right sideline, beat the nearest defender with her dribble, and delivered a pinpoint cross to the near post for an open Crowder to decisively head home (VIDEO). The Thunder finally had the lead their patience warranted, and it became a case of whether the guests would continue to press home their advantage or sit back and force Elmhurst to attack them. That question was answered just two minutes later when Lindquist executed a smart turn on the ball to evade pressure and carried it over the midfield line before laying it off for the advancing Blair to take over. The senior midfielder slipped a through-ball just between the runs of Crowder and Setran into the Bluejays' box, and as the former let it run, the latter was ready to pounce. Setran got to the ball ahead of the recovering defender and took advantage of the out-rushing goalkeeper's position by slipping her first-time shot from the left side of the area into the net to double Wheaton's lead (VIDEO). This goal effectively confirmed the Thunder's victory as their defenders saw out the game with minimum fuss and only allowed one shot attempt from the home side in the final 20 minutes.

After kicking off their CCIW slate in perfect fashion tonight, the Wheaton women's squad gets to enjoy a full week away from the pitch and will not return to play until next weekend. The Thunder face North Park University at Joe Bean Stadium on Saturday as a part of Homecoming weekend on campus, and kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 PM in the team's conference home opener.