BOXSCORE MINNEAPOLIS -- A penalty kick goal in the 53rd minute proved to be the difference in the game, as visiting Wheaton College (Ill.) claimed a 1-0 victory over Augsburg College in a battle of nationally ranked men's soccer teams on Friday evening at Edor Nelson Field.

Augsburg (3-1-1 overall) entered the game ranked No. 23 in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division III national poll, while Wheaton (3-2-0 overall) was ranked No. 13.

"We gave it a good effort tonight, but were missing that final moment," said Augsburg head coach Greg Holker. "We had a few chances in the final 10 minutes to get the equalizer, but our opponent made some pretty significant defensive tackles that kept us at bay."

The Thunder gained the advantage at the 52:44 mark, gaining a penalty kick on a foul in the box. Noah Anthony (JR, St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North HS) converted the penalty kick for his third goal of the season, giving the Thunder a 1-0 lead.

Wheaton claimed a 16-8 advantage in shots in the game, but Augsburg's defense kept the hosts in the contest. Goalkeeper Clayton Lynch (SR, Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Xavier HS) claimed four saves, and the defense of Sam Connor (SO, Becket, Mass./Williston Northampton School), Sam Foy (SO, Madison, Wis./LaFollette HS), Barinedum Kordah (FY, Brooklyn Park, Minn./Park Center HS) and Bobby Kohl (FY, Shorewood, Wis.) were strong, with each player playing the full 90 minutes in the contest.

"That is a good team -- they have quality all over the field and off the bench, so it was no surprise we were chasing the ball a bit," Holker said. "I thought we did very well keeping them in front of us and limiting their chances. Most of their shots came from long range and were not threatening. Unfortunately once the referee decided to issue the penalty, it was an uphill battle. Clayton got his hand to it, but it was just wide enough to get beyond him."

Matt Paprocki (JR, Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove North HS), playing his first game of the season in goal for the Thunder, recorded three saves to pick up the victory.

Lekpea Kordah (SR, Brooklyn Park, Minn./St. Louis Park HS) had three shots for the Auggies, including two on-goal, while Scott Clinton (JR, Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson HS) had two shots.

Augsburg has its next four games on the road, starting on Sunday (9/15) at 2 p.m. with a nonconference game at Minnesota-Morris.

'Now we have to move on quickly and prepare for Sunday's match at UM-Morris. The response off the loss will define this team the rest of the way," Holker said.