MEDIA RELEASES

Contact
Ken Trendel
ktrendel@dom.edu
(708) 524-6232

Stars Knock off Nationally Ranked Wheaton

The Dominican University men’s soccer team defeated Wheaton College 1-0 on Wednesday. The Thunder entered the game ranked second in the Central Region and 12th in the nation for Division III men’s soccer with a 7-1-0 overall record.

Despite being out-shot 18-4 throughout the game, the Stars scored the game’s lone goal on a header by freshman Michael Smanz with an assist from senior Steve Lodes. The goal came in the game’s 63rd minute and was the Stars’ first shot on goal. Smanz had another great scoring opportunity on a two-on-one break with fellow forward Erik Elizondo.

Senior goalkeeper Jonathan Maendel recorded seven saves in 90 minutes of work in the Stars’ goal. The shutout victory was Maendel’s eighth win of the season and second shutout.

The Stars then hosted Edgewood College on Saturday and defeated the Eagles 5-1, despite falling behind 1-0 mid-way through the first half. However, the Stars rattled off the next five goals of the game, including three in the game’s final 11 minutes.

Elizondo increased his team-leading goal total to 15 with two goals, while Smanz netted his fourth and fifth goals of the season in just his fourth game played. Lodes also found the back of the net, scoring his third goal of the year for the Stars.

The Stars now boast a 9-1-0 overall record and will open Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference (NIIC) play on Wednesday, October 6, at Aurora University at 4:00 p.m. and then will travel to the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh on Saturday for a 1:00 p.m. game.