Contact: Matthew Eaker, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, mreaker@noctrl.edu 

Oct. 27, 2021 - After having a week and a half off, the North Central College men's soccer returned to College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) play as they took down the Wheaton College Thunder 5-1 on a chilly Wednesday night inside Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. 

The Cardinal offense was looking to strike early against a tough Thunder defense who has only given up 14 goals this season. In the 26th minute, Aidan Westerberg was taken down by Thunder goalkeeper Haden Biddlecome inside the penalty area giving the Cardinals an opportunity. Junior Johnny Kraemer lined up for a penalty kick and sent one past Biddlecome to put the Cardinals up 1-0. 

In the second half, Brandon Harmsen finished off a cross from Westerberg to put the Cardinals up by two. However in the 72nd minute, Wheaton's Michael Marten's sent a shot just out of the reach of Sid Marquardt to bring the score to 2-1. 

Wheaton was looking to keep the game within reach but in the 77th minute, Dane Richardson tallied his fifth goal of the season as he broke away from the defense and snuck one past Biddlecome. Three minutes later the Cardinals would strike again as Kevin Johnson would slip behind the defense to go up 4-1. Herman Hesby would later score his fifth goal of the season in the 85th minute and secure the win for the Cardinals. 

Marquardt earned the win in net improving his record to 11-1-1 while tallying six saves and only allowing one goal. Wheaton's Biddlecome tallied six saves as well as he fell to 8-5-1 on the season. 

The Cardinals (15-1-1, 5-1-1 CCIW) are back in action Saturday afternoon as they host the Carroll University Pioneers in a CCIW matchup. The match is set to start at 3:00 pm inside Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. 

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