Wheeling, W. Va. - After 39 years as the head coach of the Wheeling University Men's Soccer team (4-11-1, 3-10-1), Jim Regan will be coaching his final game on Saturday against West Liberty, and his son Sean Regan, at 6 PM. "Regan Bowl 2021" will feature a cross-town rivalry as the Cardinals try to end their season on a high note and give their long-time head coach a win in his final game.
Wheeling's offense got on the board early last time out against Alderson Broaddus, but it didn't last the entire game as Wheeling would fall to the Battlers 3-1. Sophomore Richard Afolayanka scored the Cardinal's first and only goal, in the 15th minute, but the Battlers would go on to score three unanswered goals to pick up the victory. The offense had its opportunities throughout the game, but they just weren't able to find the net.
That offense was led by freshman Armando Loynaz, who had five shots and put one of those shots on goal. Afolayanka was the most efficient shooter on the day for Wheeling, with three shots all falling on goal, while Christian Ruud and Hugo Rodriguez each got off two shots in the effort. The shots were pretty much even throughout the game, with Wheeling being outshot 17-14, but the Battlers were more effective putting 10 shots on net compared to six for the Cardinals.
On defense, Austin Aaron made his second start of the 2021 season and played a solid 90 minutes in net. He faced ten shots on the day and made seven saves in the game, setting a new season-high in saves. After allowing two goals in the first half, Aaron was able to end the game on a high note, allowing just one goal and making two of his seven saves in that half.
While head coach Jim Regan is being honored for his 39 years of service to Wheeling University, the team will also be honoring the four seniors on their team. Among the honorees are goalkeeper Tyler Serman, defender Rene Palma, forward Miguel Martin, and winger Cesar Carlin. Each of those players was a part of the 2018 MEC runner-up team and are looking to end their careers on a high note against their cross-town rivals.
The Match-up
The men's soccer cross-town rivalry hasn't gone on nearly as long as other sports, dating back to just 2018. However, over those six matches, the two teams have split the contests going 3-3. Wheeling has not lost a game at home to West Liberty since the rivalry started, going 2-0 in the two games played at Bishop Schmitt Field. They met up once already this year, and West Liberty won that contest 3-1.
After West Liberty scored in the eighth minute of the game, Afolayanka would tie the game in the 15th minute scoring his fourth goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1. However, the Hilltoppers scored two unanswered goals and won the game 3-1. Tyler Serman got the start in the game and made just one save on four shots on net.
The Details
Kick-off for Saturday's game is scheduled for 6 PM at Bishop Schmitt Field. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
