Wheeling, W. Va- With the season drawing closer to an end, Wheeling University Men's Soccer team (4-10-1, 3-9-1) goes on the road one final time, facing off against Alderson Broaddus University on Wednesday at 6 PM. After falling last time out, Wheeling hopes for a chance to rebound on the road before finishing their season at Bishop Schmitt Field in Head Coach Jim Regan's final regular-season game.
This past Saturday, the Cardinals fell to Davis & Elkins 2-0. The first 45 minutes provided a defensive standstill, as neither team could find the net. Wheeling's sophomore goalkeeper, Harry Firth, had an excellent half protecting the net as he saved six total shots. Wheeling took three shots in the first period, missing all three. Hugo Rodriguez came the closest as he kicked the ball to the bottom right corner in the 42nd minute, but it ended up being saved by Senator's goalkeeper Jeremy Coste made the save to send the game into halftime scoreless.
In the second half, the Senators were able to find some offensive sparks, scoring in the 52nd and 71st minutes. Daniel Cerezo, of Davis and Elkins, contributed on both scoring plays. Scoring on the first and assisting on the second, Cerezo's play was enough to push by the Cardinals. Wheeling's Armando Loynaz was the only player to get off a shot in the second half. The Cardinals were outshot 13 to 1 in the final 45 minutes of the game.
This loss dropped Wheeling's conference record to 3-9-1 on the season. It was the second time being shut out by Davis & Elkins in the fall of 2021. The Cardinals look to finish the season on a strong note over the final week, and players like Richard Afolayanka, Harry Martin, and TJ Cherry give the Cardinals plenty of opportunities to finish the last two games of the season strong.
The next opponent is Alderson Broaddus University, who currently is one spot above Wheeling University in the Mountain East Conference standings. With both schools outside of the conference's "Top 5", a win for either team would begin some momentum heading into the 2022 season. Wheeling looks to finish strong and get their second road win.
The Match-Up
The Battlers have been facing off against Wheeling University since 2002. In a total of 14 contests, the Cardinals hold the series 9-4-1, with an away record of 7-1. Currently, on a three-game win streak against Alderson Broaddus, Wheeling won 3-2 the last time each other faced off.
Miguel Martin had a night to remember against the Battlers, as he scored twice, with one goal in each half. His second goal of the evening came in the 72nd minute, which ultimately turned out to be the game-winner. Harry Martin also had a score in that game, coming in the 39th minute. Wheeling looks to build the win streak to four games against Alderson Broaddus.
The Details
Kick-off for Wednesday evening's game is scheduled for 6 PM at Alderson Broaddus University. You can watch the game by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
