A determined Calvin effort was not enough to keep the Knights from going down to a 3-1 defeat at Wheaton (IL) Friday night as the host Thunder broke a 1-1 halftime deadlock with an early second half goal and an insurance marker in the closing minutes. 

Wheaton (2-1-0) jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a goal by Kenneth Feehs just 3:34 into the match but Calvin struck back on a goal by sophomore Scott Hooker (Unity Christian HS) in the 19th minute of play with junior Michael Holwerda (Grand Rapids Christian HS) drawing an assist on the play. 

The match then stayed even until the 65th minute when Ben Theimer headed in a crossing pass from teammate Cory Weaver to give Wheaton a 2-1 lead. The Wheaton goal culminatgoalkeeper Darrin Cline (Grandville HS) making several strong saves before Theimer finally broke through. 

With Calvin pressing for the tying goal, Wheaton struck back on a quick counterattack, scoring on a goal by Tyler Risma with just 5:23 left to play. 

Wheaton finished the game with a 20-12 shots at goal advantage but just an 11-7 advantage in the second half. 

Cline finished the game with five saves for the Knights with the Calvin defense also clearing a Wheaton shot off the backline to save a would-be goal. 

Calvin (1-2-0) returns to action on Saturday when it moves through the Chicago area to Trinity International in Deerfield, Illinois. The non-conference game will begin at 3:00 p.m. (EST).