Titans Silence Thunder

UW-Oshkosh took care of business against a long-time nemesis as it defeated Wheaton College (Ill.), 1-0, in a men's soccer match held Friday (Oct. 1) in Wheaton, Ill.

UW-Oshkosh's victory was its first against Wheaton College in seven matches and just its sixth in the 21 all-time meetings (6-13-2 record). Ironically, four of the Titans' six wins in the series have come on the home field of the Thunder.

UW-Oshkosh, ranked 16th in the NCAA Division III by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, tallied the contest's lone goal in the 16th minute (15:53) of play. The Titans (10-0-1) scored when Tony Starnes (So. • Green Bay) got behind the defense and kicked a 10-yard shot into the net. His third match-winning goal of the season was assisted by Mathias Thoma (Fr. • Brooklyn).

UW-Oshkosh had an opportunity to double its lead late in the first half with a one-on-one chance in the box. But, Nick Laubenstein's (Fr. • Howard) shot hit the right post and Ryan Hanna's (Fr. • Verona) rebound shot went wide left.

The match was physical throughout, with the result featuring the call of 53 fouls and the announcement of seven yellow cards.

UW-Oshkosh attempted 12 shots, with three of them belonging to both Mike Franzen (Sr. • Sussex) and Brian Miller (Sr. • Chippewa Falls). The Titans were the owner of three corner kicks.

Wheaton College (2-6-3) launched seven shots, including three by Josh Clark and two by Nathan Jasperse. The Thunder had two corner kicks.

UW-Oshkosh goalkeeper James Pike (Jr. • Wauwatosa) saved two shots en route to his fifth shutout of the season. The Titans have shutout their last eight opponents and haven't allowed a goal in their last 790 minutes (789:52) of activity.

Wheaton College goalkeeper Ryan Seager saved four shots.

UW-Oshkosh goes for a school-record tying ninth straight shutout when it plays at St. Norbert College on Wednesday (Oct. 6).