WHEATON, Ill. – The Greenville University men's soccer team created several quality chances and kept pace with Wheaton for much of the evening, but the Thunder capitalized on key set-piece opportunities to earn a 3-0 victory Friday night at Joe Bean Stadium.
The Panthers came out aggressively and generated opportunities throughout the opening half, outshooting Wheaton 10-10 before intermission. Greenville nearly broke through in the 16th minute when
Samuel Paez put a shot on frame, and
Bence Nagy remained active in the attack with four shots on the night.
Wheaton finally found the breakthrough in the 36th minute. After a corner kick created a scramble in front of goal, Isaac Lucas collected a rebound and finished from close range to give the Thunder a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Greenville continued to push forward in the second half and nearly equalized just moments after the restart.
Izan Gonzalez Rivera forced Wheaton goalkeeper Luke McGuire into a save in the 47th minute, but the Panthers could not find the finishing touch.
The Thunder extended their advantage in the 75th minute when Ashur Eshw headed home a service from Noah Luther on a set piece. Wheaton added an insurance goal in the 89th minute as Eshw delivered another dangerous ball into the box and Cooper Falling finished to make it 3-0.
Greenville finished with 14 shots and seven corner kicks, while Wheaton held a slight 17-14 edge in shots and an 8-7 advantage in corners.
Goalkeeper
Dominick Messer recorded five saves for the Panthers, helping keep Greenville within striking distance throughout the match. Nagy led Greenville with four shots, while
Richard Kerwer added three attempts.
The Panthers return to action next week as they continue preparations for conference play.
