Last time out, the Cardinals hosted Fairmont State in what was just their third home game of the season. Early on, the Bobcats had the momentum as they scored in both the fifth minute and the 28th minute to talent early 2-0 lead. However, Austin Aaron and the Cardinals defense held strong for the rest of the half as they headed into the locker room trailing by that same 2-0 score. Throughout the second half, the Cardinals defense was able to keep Frostburg State off the board as the back line kept the ball in the Cardinals offensive zone. Wheeling outshot Frostburg State 11-4 over the final 45 minutes of play, but just couldn't find the net as they fell to Frostburg State 2-0. It was the fifth time in the team's seven losses that they fell by two goals or less as they continue to battle each time out.
 

After the two early goals, goalkeeper Austin Aaron was able to keep a clean sheet for the final 62 minutes of play. In what was his second start of the 2023 season, Aaron made three saves on five shots faced for a save percentage of .600 on the evening. In two starts this season, Aaron has made 12 saves on 22 shots faced as he has been battling injuries all season long. He, and teammate Carlos Molina have kept the Cardinals in games this season, with a combined save percentage of .565 while averaging 3.38 goals per game. They have also been helped by the defensive back line, led by centerback TJ Cherry, who have helped force bad shots. As they head into October, the Cardinals are looking to find their offensive success as they fight their way back into the MEC Tournament picture.
 

Leading that offense this season has been Cherry, who has scored two of the team's three goals this season. It is already a career high for the junior as he has stepped up on both sides of the ball. The offense has had its share of struggles this season, but they got going in the right direction against Frostburg State. Even though they did not get on the scoresheet, the Cardinals took 11 shots over the final 45 minutes of play, their most of any half this season, and put four of those 11 shots on net. Of the 18 total shots taken on the afternoon, Wheeling out six of those on net. As the Cardinals head into October, they look to continue to take their opportunities and convert those to more goals on the scoreboard.
 

As they move into October, the Cardinals will look to take advantage of a heavy home schedule down the stretch. Of their first eight games of the season, only three of those have come at Bishop Schmitt Field. However, as they begin the run towards the MEC playoffs, they will be playing five of those nine games on their home field. With eight of those nine games coming against MEC opponents, there is still a chance for the team to climb back into the top six positions in the MEC. Their meeting with Davis & Elkins marks their final run through the first round of the MEC schedule as they prepare for the rematches in October. They currently sit four points out of the six and final playoff spot in the conference and look to get three points towards that goal on Sunday.
 

The Matchup
 

The Cardinals and Senators are meeting for the 22nd time in program history, with Davis & Elkins leading the all-time series at 11-7-3. In 11 previous matches in Wheeling between the two teams, the Cardinals own a 4-7 record and are looking for their first win against Davis & Elkins since September 24th, 2011, when they picked up a 4-3 win. The Cardinals have averaged 1.62 goals per game in the series and look to get the offense going on Sunday.
 

In their most recent meeting, Davis & Elkins pickfv up a 4-1 win over the Cardinals at Bishop Schmitt Field. Harry Martin scored the lone Cardinals goal on the afternoon, as he put his only shot of the day in the back of the net. Austin Aaron got the start in net and made five saves on nine shots faced to round out the day.
 

The Details
 

Kick-off for Sunday's game is scheduled for 4 PM at Bishop Schmitt Field. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.