Wheeling, W. Va. – The Wheeling University Men's Soccer team (1-9-4, 1-7-3) has been battling all season in search of their first win. On Sunday, that would come to fruition as Wheeling took down Point Park 1-0, marking their first win since October 15th, 2023. After the teams played even through the first 45 minutes of play, it was an aggressive start to the second half that netted them the victory. 

The Cardinals had plenty of opportunities throughout the first half, with the teams trading 10 shots over the first 45 minutes. After meeting at halftime, the Cardinals would come out aggressive in the second half taking the ball into the offensive zone off the kick-off. Joshi Timbrell would set up from the 15-yard line marker on Bishop Schmitt Field and sent a crosser down field. Antonio Herra-Blackwood would pick up the pass, heading the ball into the back of the net to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. It was the first career goal for Herra-Blackwood, and his second and third points of his career, as the Cardinals were off and running with the lead. However, it would be another tightly contested half between the two teams, and the Cardinal defense would have to hold. 

It would be the Cardinals who held the shot advantage in the second half, outshooting Point Park 6-5 over the final 45 minutes. After the Cardinals took the lead, Point Park would be looking for the equalizer. Over the final 10 minutes of play, the Pioneers went on the attack, taking three shots over the final 10 minutes. Their biggest push came in the 86th minute of the game when Nils Benning sent a shot soaring towards net. However, Carlos Molina would make a quick dive to his left and made the save to keep the Cardinals in the lead. Wheeling faced pressure throughout the final 10 minutes, but the Cardinals were able to keep the lead and pick up win #1. 

Along with his goal, Herra-Blackwood would lead the Cardinal offense, taking four shots and putting two on goal on the afternoon. He tied for the team lead in shots on the day and helped the Cardinals as they pushed up the field. The other Cardinal to reach the four-shot mark was Jordan Taylor, who finished with four shots, putting one on net. Carlos Molina would get the start in net for the Cardinals and picked up his first solo shutout of the season. He made four saves on four shots faced, with the biggest coming in the final four minutes of play. Alonso Martinez and Luis Bravo would take the final three shots of the day for the Cardinals, with Martinez taking two and Bravo taking one.  

In the first half, the Cardinals came out with a similar fire, taking two shots over the first five minutes of play. Jordan Taylor would take the first shot at the 3:27 mark, finding the hands of Point Park goalkeeper Ali David. Herra-Blackwood tried to complete the push, but shot the ricochet high and over the net to keep things scoreless. In the 18th minute, Point Park made their push as Cheroky Briard put a shot on net that Molina saved. Unfortunately, the ricochet went right to the foot of Point Park's Nathan Lastreto and he took a shot on an open net. Defender Pablo Prieto was quick on his feet, and was able to dive in front of the ball to make the stop. Those were the two biggest offensive pushes throughout the first half as both defenses held strong. The teams went into the locker room sitting at 0-0 before the Cardinals got the game-winner to start the second half. 

The Wheeling University Men's Soccer team returns to action on Wednesday, October 23rd, when they hit the road to face Salem with kick-off at 2:30 PM.