Charleston, W. Va. – After playing a week's worth of home games, the Wheeling University Women's Soccer team (4-7, 4-5) hit the road against Charleston. The Cardinals scored a late goal in the 74th minute, but it wasn't enough as they fell to the Golden Eagles 8-1. The Cardinals were efficient shooters throughout the night, putting 64% of their shots on net, but they were unable to get it past the Charleston keeper.
Early on, Charleston was getting the offensive opportunities taking the first two shots of the day. Goalkeeper
Mikayla Yarwood made the save on the first shot, but couldn't stop the second one as the Golden Eagles took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute. Eight minutes later,
Talynn DeBartolo would take the Cardinals first shot and
Braedynn Porter would follow with her first shot of the day, but neither would be able to find the back of the net. Those were the only two shots on goal for the Cardinals that landed on net in the half and Charleston would add four more goals before all was said and done. The Cardinals headed into halftime trailing 5-0 and looked to take more efficient shots in the second half.
They would start the second half strong as DiFonzo got off the first two shots in the half, putting one on net, but the Cardinals still couldn't break through. Charleston would then go back on the attack scoring three more goals to make it an 8-0 affair as Head Coach
Emmanuel Awotula went to his bench. He subbed out almost everyone on the field and it led to their first goal of the night.
Bailey Walker put a shot on goal upon entering the game in the 71st minute and a foul on
Medina Doka turned the ball back over to Charleston. The Cardinals got the ball back and
Mary DiFonzo was able to bring it up the field. She was able to finally beat the keeper on her fifth shot of the night and made it an 8-1 game. The would end up being the final score as the Cardinals dropped the contest.
Mary DiFonzo led the offense with a big showing, taking six shots on the night, putting four on net, while scoring the only goal of the day. Seven other Cardinals took shots on the day, with
Braedynn Porter,
Talynn DeBartolo,
Medina Doka,
Bailey Walker, and
Esky Battuvshin all putting theirs on net. Freshman
Sam Faulkner played the majority of the night in net, playing 46 minutes, and made five saves on eight shots faced.
Mikayla Yarwood got the start and made three saves on five shots faced in the game.
The Wheeling Women's soccer team returns to action on Saturday, October 8th, when they host Frostburg State at 5 PM.
