Wheaton College (Ill.) men's soccer coach Joe Bean earned his 600th career victory on Oct. 25 as his team defeated Carthage College 5-0. The triumph allowed Bean, an NSCAA Past President and past recipient of the NSCAA Honor Award, to become the first men's collegiate soccer coach at any level to reach the 600-win plateau.

"I have been blessed with talented players, wonderful facilities and resources through the years, " Bean said after the match reagarding his milestone victory. "Someone will break it (the record), but it is nice to be the first to do it."

The teams battled toa scoreless tie in the first half before Wheaton got goals in the 47th and 61st minutes to give the Thunder a 2-0 advantage. Goals in 67th, 76th and 80th minutes provided the final margin of victory. The win secured a playoff berth for Wheaton in the upcoming College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) tournament.

Bean, who is in his 45th season as Wheaton men's soccer coach, has long been a fixture at the NSCAA Convention. He is one of the Red Aprons, who provide a valuable link to the NSCAA's roots.

Bean, who has indicated that he will retire at the close of the season, now has a career record of 600-183-59, a .748 winning percentage. Wheaton will honor him in a ceremony prior to its final regular season home match against Lake Forest October 27 as the college will re-name its soccer facilty Bean Stadium.

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