Wheeling, W. Va. – After being on the road for the first two games of the season, the Wheeling University Women's Soccer team (0-2, 0-0) returns to Bishop Schmitt Field for the first time in 2024 on Sunday. Along with their home opener, they also open their Mountain East Conference (MEC) schedule against the newest MEC opponent Point Park with kick-off at 1 PM. The Cardinals had battled in each of their first two games and they are looking to turn that hard work into their first win of the season.

Last time out, the Cardinals headed to Canton, Ohio as they continued their non-conference schedule against Malone. Malone would get on the board early, scoring in the game's sixth minute as they took a 1-0 lead. However, the Cardinals defense held strong keeping the Pioneers off the scoreboard for the final 39 minutes of the half and went into the locker room trailing 1-0. Malone would start the second half scoring, putting the ball in the back of the net in the 55th minute to take a 2-0 lead. The Cardinals would respond 12 minutes later as they set up a free kick opportunity. Mary DiFonzo would float the ball into the back of the net and the Cardinals were able to get within one goal at 2-1. However, Malone would get the final draw in the 88th minute as they went on to win 3-1.

Mary DiFonzo led the way for the Cardinals, scoring her second goal of the year in one of the top plays so far. She took a free kick from Lily Hanna and was left all alone from about 25 yards out. She was able to send a high, floating shot towards net and just got it over top the goalkeeper for her second of the season. DiFonzo has scored in each of the first two games for the Cardinals as she tries to set another career high in goals this season. Coming into Sunday's game, the senior is sitting at 24 goals as she chases down the 30-goal mark.  She is a three-time All-MEC honoree, and looks to lead her team back to the MEC Tournament in 2024.

Lily Hanna continued to add to her list of firsts in game two of the season, picking up her first career assist. She set up the free kick that freed DiFonzo for her second goal of the year, tapping the ball to the senior to convert the goal. In her first two games as a Cardinal, Hanna has played at or near 90 minutes each time she has taken the field and looks to continue to be a fixture for the Cardinal offense. I. The defensive end, the Cardinals relied on a strong effort from their back line to lead the way. In front, Tayler Wells and Morgan Montani helped lead the way, forcing several poor shots throughout the night. In net, Olivia Kqira would make five saves on eight shots faced on the day as she continues to play strong in net for the Cardinals.

With Wheeling coming home on Sunday, they open MEC play looking for a redo of last season. With the exact same schedule from the 2023 season, only reversed, the team is looking to get back into the top four in the MEC North Division. Wheeling has the luxury of being at home to start conference play, but face a tough road schedule with Fairmont State and Frostburg State looming. Wheeling is taking on Point Park for the first time as a conference opponent and is hoping to get off to a strong start in conference play. Three of their next five games will all be played at Bishop Schmitt Field, where they went 3-6-1 a season ago. The Cardinals look to take advantage of their home opportunities before heading out on the road.

The Matchup

The Cardinals and Pioneers are meeting for just the second time in program history on Sunday and the first time as conference foes. Wheeling leads the all-time series at 1-0 and will be welcoming the Pioneers to Bishop Schmitt Field for the first time. Their first ever matchup came when Point Park was still an NAIA school back on October 18th, 2007. The. Cardinals would win that game 6-3 and look to open the conference slate with a win.

The Details

Kick-off for Sunday's game is scheduled for 1 PM inside Bishop Schmitt Field. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.