Wheeling, W.Va- The Wheeling University Women's soccer team defeated Alderson Broaddus this past Sunday, improving the team's record to 2-2 in MEC conference play and 3-3 overall. The win was the first time Wheeling had beaten the Battlers since September 2008. After defeating Notre Dame College and Alderson Broaddus, Wheeling is on the road, looking for their third straight victory Wednesday evening at 5 PM, against West Liberty University.
Coming into Sunday's matchup, Alderson Broaddus had won the previous five meetings. A fast start and resiliency in overtime proved to be enough to put the losing streak to bed. After a 2-0 start, Wheeling finished the matchup with a 3-2 victory.
During the first 20 minutes of the game, Senior Kenadee Burgoyne took a pass from Braedynn Porter to put the Cardinals up 1-0. As the half began to wind down, the Cardinals struck again, this time with a goal from Rilei Levesque in the 43rd minute. After jumping out to an early 2-0 lead, Alderson Broaddus came back with two goals of their own in the second half. Battlers' defender Diana Forero put both goals in the net for her team. The game was tied 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes. The 93rd minute provided Wheeling with the win as Porter hit her third goal of the season and eighth of her career. With the overtime victory, the Wheeling Cardinals were able to etch out an important conference victory.
The win moves Wheeling from fourth place in the MEC North Division to third. Now just a half-game behind their next opponent West Liberty University, the Cardinals are aiming to move up the rankings again. A victory over West Liberty would put the team right behind North Division leader Frostburg State University who currently has a record of 4-2-1 (3-1-1).
The Match-up
The 24-minute trip from school to school has created a rivalry between Wheeling University and West Liberty. This time out, the stakes are even higher due to the fact both schools are fighting for second place in the division standings. Since the rivalry began in 2012, West Liberty has gotten the best of the Cardinals with an overall record of 12-4 against them.
The last time these schools met was in April, during the spring season. West Liberty defeated the Cardinals 3-0. Wheeling had opportunities to score with one ball hitting the goal post in the 87th minute, but the last-second effort wasn't enough in the loss. Wheeling University hopes to change its fortune this time around and get its fourth victory of the season.
The Details
The Wheeling University Women's Soccer team heads on the road Wednesday to face West Liberty at 5 PM. You can watch the game by clicking HERE and follow along with Live States by clicking HERE.
