Wheeling, W. Va. - for the first time since the 2013 season, Mountain East Conference (MEC) playoff soccer is headed back to Bishop Schmitt Field. The #4 Wheeling University Men's Soccer (7-10-1, 7-8-1)  host #5 West Virginia Wesleyan College in MEC Quarterfinal action on Tuesday night with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. The Cardinals are back in the playoffs for the first time since the 2018 season and are looking to make a similar run as they made it to the MEC Championship game that year.

In their final game of the regular season, many of Wheeling's starters got the chance to rest as the Cardinals took on West Liberty in the Battle of Wheeling. Unfortunately, the Cardinals fell 2-1 to the Hilltoppers, but with a playoff spot already secured their goal was to come out healthy. After a scoreless first half, both teams got their offenses going in a game second half. The first opportunity for the Cardinals came after a Hilltoppers penalty in the box set up a penalty kick. Sophomore Armando Loynaz would take the attempt and got it past the Hilltopper's goalkeeper to give Wheeling a 1-0 lead. However, a pair of Hilltopper's goals in the 72nd and 76th minute were enough to sink the Cardinals as they fell 2-1 ending the regular season at 7-8-1 in MEC play.

If the Cardinals are going to make another deep run in this year's tournament, they're going to have to rely on their high scoring offense. Junior Richard Afolayanka has led the way with eight goals this season. He has two goals in his last three games, both coming in the 9-4 win over Alderson Broaddus that clinched the home playoff game. In games where Afolayanka scored at least one goal this season, the Cardinals are 4-1-1, including a win and a tie against West Virginia Wesleyan this season. The Cardinals will be looking for the Junior to jump start their offense in this one as they look to get their first playoff win since that 2018 season.

The other big offensive weapon for the Cardinals has been freshman Diego Buenano who has come on strong in his first season. He sits second on the team with seven goals this season and has scored three goals over his last five games. Buenano uses his speed to bring the ball up field and create opportunities on offense. Christian Ruud rounds out the top three for the Cardinals with five goals this season and is coming off one of his best performances against Alderson Broaddus two games ago. He picked up his second multi-goal game of the season as he scored two goals, both in the first half, leading his team to the 9-4 victory.

The Cardinals are one of two teams to get a home playoff game in the quarter final round. #3 seeded Notre Dame College will play host to #6 seeded West Liberty while #4 Wheeling hosts #5 West Virginia Wesleyan. After the Quarterfinals wrap up, the lowest remaining seed will head to #1 Charleston while the highest remaining seed will go to #2 Davis & Elkins. The Cardinals are trying to get to that semifinal round, but first will have to get through their first round matchup. The Cardinals are searching for their first playoff win since that 2018 season as they look to get back to the upper echelon of the MEC.

The Matchup