Contact: Ashleigh Jones, Sports Information Graduate Assistant
 
Oct. 21, 2017 (WHEATON, Ill.) - The North Central College men's soccer team was stunned in its 2-0 loss to Wheaton College, thwarting its hopes to retaining an undefeated College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin record.
 
From the opening minutes of the match, it was clear that the Thunder had less to lose and more to gain in this matchup against the current CCIW leaders.
 
Wheaton stormed the Cardinals backline with aggression and speed. By establishing the pace, the Thunder forced North Central to adjust its tactics and placed incredible pressure on the defensive linemen.
 
Though the Cardinals got the first shot off within the first minute of play, Wheaton took control of the game and gradually began breaking down North Central defensive containment.
 
At the 14 minute-mark Wheaton was on the outskirts of the goalie box, and with a three-man combination play the Thunders' Jacob Kapitaniuk split his defenders and slipped the ball just passed the tips of Connor O'Neill's glove.
 
Feeling the unfamiliar blow of being down by a goal North Central attempted to clamor back with a response. Utilizing its speed and athleticism two opportunities just minutes apart by Alexis Flores were blocked emphatically by the Thunder defense.
 
Following those two shot attempts, the momentum shifted, and the Cardinals seemed frazzled by the confidence of its opponents. Wheaton sought to capitalize on North Centrals frantic play and for what seemed like 15 minutes kept the ball on the Cardinals half, pummeling them with advances towards the net.
 
Eventually, miscommunication between the backline and midfield led to the Thunder earning its second goal of the evening in the 35th minute of the first half. Being down this early clearly made North Central uncomfortable yet, each progression towards Wheaton's goal was answered with a thunderous clear by its opponent's defensive line.  
 
Entering the second half down by two the Cardinals looked ready to make a comeback. The Thunder did everything in its power to stifle any chance of scoring by North Central.
 
As time rolled off the clock, the aggression between the two teams was palpable. Bodies were flying left and right, yet the Cardinals couldn't get a step on the Thunder.
 
In the 58th minute, a surge towards goal with the help of Jack Bullard set up Flores yet again for a shot on goal. Once again the Wheaton defensemen remained steady blocking not only Flores' shot but also the rebound shot attempt by Bullard.
 
Despite the quick footwork of Ryan O'Deen and Jon Borzick the Cardinals seemed out of step.
 
With time not on its side, North Central continued to fight for position on the field. By the 79th minute the Cardinals had only three attempts on goal and with the fourth attempt by Spencer Weise rendered high, North Central saw its undefeated CCIW record slipping away.
 
Though the Cardinals kept the Thunder from scoring again in the second half, Wheaton's first-half surge was just too much for North Central to handle.
 
The Cardinals travel to Chicago, Illinois on October 25, to face #10 North Park University in its second to last CCIW matchup of the season. Game time is set for 7:30 PM. Follow along live stats HERE.