WALTHAM, Mass. – A first career brace for Lucas Ruehlemann '25, highlighted by a worldly of a finish in the second half, carried the Wesleyan men's soccer team past Brandeis for a 3-1 win on Sunday. Wesleyan remains unbeaten with a 2-0-1 record on the season while the Judges fall to 1-2-2.
 
Locked in a 1-1 score, just over 10 minutes after equalizing on a Ruehlemann penalty kick conversion, the junior forward showed a great bit of class with a right-footed volley that went into the upper right corner of the frame and into the back of the net in the 64^th minute of play. Off a set piece, the Cardinals played a ball to Chris Porte '25 who lofted a cross towards the center of the box where Ruehlemann belted a strike the Brandies goalkeeper had no chance at stopping.

A WORLDLY FROM RUEHLEMANN ??

All credit to Lucas Ruehlemann '25 on this miraculous finish that put @Wes_msoccer ahead for good in a 3-1 road win at Brandeis ?? pic.twitter.com/WhqTbAoUkV

— Wesleyan Athletics (@wes_athletics) September 18, 2023

 
Wesleyan initially tied the score 7:37 into the second half when Ruehlemann delivered a free kick into the box towards Evan O'Brien '24 at the far post, but the senior caption had his jersey tugged which brought the referee blowing his whistle, pointing to the spot, and issuing a yellow card to Christian Godinho. After scoring a PK goal in the season opener against NYU, Ruehlemann again delivered, this time going low and to his right to beat a diving keeper who guessed the right way.
 
With all momentum, Wesleyan secured the win in the 74^th minute as Will Martin '26 played Dane Harmaty '24 on with a header. Harmaty took a quick shot which was initially saved by Quintin Wrabley but Martin continued on his run and buried home the rebound goal, his first career marker as a Cardinal.
 
The Cardinals controlled the action throughout, outshooting the Judges 18-7 for the game and 11-3 in the first half alone. Wesleyan also generated three corner kicks while the Judges didn't have any for the match.
 
Scoring first, against the run of play, was Nico Beninda for Brandeis in the 34^th minute. The ball was played out wide beautifully with a pass from the midfield. Aidan Chuang took his defender on and sent a cross to the far post that was headed in by Beninda.
 
That goal was the first allowed by the Cardinal defense this season as Wesleyan held their opposition scoreless for the first 214+ minutes of the season.
 
A quick turnaround for Wesleyan sees the Cardinals head back on the road for a Tuesday night showdown against Springfield at 7:30 PM.