BABSON PARK, MA. – Making their first appearance in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 13 years, the Wesleyan men's soccer team went shot for shot with Babson College on Sunday afternoon but were unable to rally with a goal as Babson walked away with the 1-0 shutout victory at Hartwell-Rogers Field.

The Cardinals advanced to Sunday's Second Round match after recording their own shutout on Saturday. Posting up two goals over Saint Joseph, the Cardinals knew they would match up with the Beavers for the second time this season. The regular season match between the two programs was a scoreless, non-conference draw on Sept. 7.

Sunday afternoon's game had a similar feel to the regular season game with both defenses battling it out in front of Mathis Blanc '26 and Walker White.  The first half possession was maintained by the Beavers for much of the half as the Beavers were able to net a 9-6 total shot differential heading into the break.

Settling down into the Beavers' defensive zone, the Cardinals began the second half with a pressing attack to combat the offensive onslaught from the first 45 minutes. Chris Porte '25 nearly had a goal for the Cardinals shortly after the kickoff, his shot going wide. A minute later the Beavers were on the board with a goal from Liam Rhatigan. Surrounded by the Cardinals defense, Rhatigan was able to pin down a quick break in bodies and buried his shot from 15 yards out and behind Blanc inside the left corner.

Porte led all Cardinals with four shots total on the scoresheet for the afternoon. Will Martin '26 on the other side of the field contributed to the attacking effort posting three shots of his own. Porte finishes the season with three goals and two assists, a career high.

Blanc finished the afternoon with five saves on seven shots on goal. Blanc finishes the season with an 8-5-4 overall record while making 60 saves for a .800 save percentage and 18 goals against.

As the Cardinals finish the season with an 8-5-5 overall record while going 4-3-3 in the NESCAC, head coach Geoff Wheeler closes out his 26^th season with a 201-150-52 standing record. This season Wheeler coached three All-NESCAC selections.