Wheeling, W. Va. - Through the first month and a half of the season, the Wheeling University Men's Soccer team (1-8-1, 0-6-1) has had to play six of its first 10 games on the road. As the season comes down to its final three and a half weeks, the tables are turned as the Cardinals begin a stretch of three of their next five games on their home field. The stretch begins on Sunday when the Cardinals host the University of Charleston, with kick-off at 1 PM.
Last time out, the Cardinals traveled to Athens, West Virginia for their second meeting with Concord. It was a tough battle the first time out, with Concord taking a slim 1-0 advantage, but this time around it would be the Cardinals who got out in front early. They would score their first goal of the day in the 22nd minute, and would rely on their strong defense the rest of the way. However, Concord would score twice before the half was out and the Cardinals went into halftime trailing 2-1. The shots were pretty even throughout the first half, with Concord outshooting the Cardinals 6-3, but only putting two of those six shots on net. The Cardinals would get just two shots off over the final 45 minutes, with just one of those going on net. Concord would net an insurance goal in the 83rd minute, and the Cardinals would end up falling 3-1.
The lone Cardinal goal of the day was scored by Pablo Prieto, who netted his second goal of the season in the effort. It came after a Concord foul as Prieto pushed up the field from his normal center back position and found the bottom right corner of the net. It was Prieto's second goal of the season, putting him in the team lead for the Cardinals through 10 games. Prieto has been an efficient shooter for the Cardinals, putting four of his six shots on net this season for a .667 shot on goal percentage. Of those four shots on goal, two have gone in for a .333 shooting percentage during his sophomore season. Prieto has helped lead the Cardinal defensive effort throughout the season and helped get the offense going in this game.
Diego Marquez would make his return to the net for the Cardinals, and faced five shots on the day, making two saves on the day. Marquez has had a strong freshman season with the Cardinals, making saves on 73.3% of the shots he faced, allowing 1.49 goals against average. He has the Cardinal's lone win of the season and looks to continue leading the defensive effort. The other Cardinal shot would come from fellow defender Davin Starkie, who made his second start of the season for the Cardinals. He put his lone shot of the day on net, and played a big part in the defensive effort. He helped the Cardinal defense allow just five shots on net on the day.
As they begin the final three and a half week stretch of the season, the Cardinals will get more time on their home field. They play three of the next five games on their home field for five of their final seven games of the season. The Cardinal defense has been strong throughout the season, and on their home field, they have allowed 2.75 goals per game on their home field, and will be looking for their first home win of the season. As they enter the final three and a half week stretch, the Cardinals sit seven points out of the final playoff spot and will look to make a final push for the MEC Tournament. They kicked off their second run through the conference on Wednesday, and look to avenge some close losses from earlier in the season.
The Matchup
The Cardinals and Golden Eagles are meeting for the 49th time in program history on Sunday, with Charleston leading the all-time series at 34-11-3. Wheeling has had more success at home in the series, going 7-14-2 compared to a 4-20-1 mark on the road. The Cardinals last win against Charleston would come during the 2015 season, with the team trying to break a 21-game losing streak against the Golden Eagles.
The streak was nearly broken in their first meeting of the season, with the Cardinals falling 1-0 in Charleston back on September 10th. Diego Marquez would lead the way in net, finishing with four saves on five shots faced in the effort. Moain Nacif would lead the offense, taking three shots and putting one of those on net, while Andoini Pipaon put the other shot on net.
The Details
Kick-off for Sunday's match is scheduled for 1 PM inside Bishop Schmitt Field. You can watch the match live by clicking HERE or follow along with live stats by clicking HERE.
