Wheeling, W. Va. – Over the last three games, the Wheeling University Women's Soccer team (2-3-1, 1-1-1) has been racking up points. The Cardinals look to keep the point streak alive on Sunday when they welcome in Fairmont State for MEC North Division action, with kick-off scheduled for 2 PM. The Cardinals have gotten on a roll and are looking to change the narrative from just being in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) Tournament, to being able to compete in it.
Last time out, the Cardinals took a break from their MEC schedule to play the first of two non-conference games against Salem University. It was an opportunity for Head Coach Ryan Wall to play some of his reserve players in their first starts of the season, and they were able to push the ball up field. Wheeling would end up outshooting the Tigers 11-1 over the first 45 minutes of play, with six of those 11 shots finding their way on net. The game remained a 0-0 tie until the 33rd minute and the Cardinals would take that 1-0 lead into the halftime break. The shot parade continued for the Cardinals in the second half, with the team needing just four minutes to get on the board. They would once again take double digit shots in the half, putting six of 19 shots on net, and they would add a second score to take a 3-0 advantage. Salem would get on the board with a PK in the 88th minute, but it wasn't enough as the Cardinals picked up three more points with a 3-1 victory.
Leading the way for the Cardinals was Ana Santos, who scored the first two goals of her Wheeling career. Santos took four shots in the effort, putting all four on net, with two of those going to the back of the net. She has played a key role in the midfield for the Cardinals this season, and got her first chance to push the ball up the field. She has been one of the team's most efficient shooters this year, putting five of her eight shots on net for a .625 shot on goal percentage. Santos transferred to Wheeling from Talladega College, where she was a two-time All-Conference performer, and she continues to provide leadership for this young team. She is the first Cardinal to score multiple goals in a game this season, and looks to continue to be a force in the midfield for the Cardinals as they continue through their MEC North Schedule.
One of the other key contributors in the win over Salem was sophomore Lily Hanna, who has served as the team's center back during the 2025 season. After tying for the team lead in goals a season ago, Hanna has been a leader on the back line as a voice for the defense. On Wednesday, she pushed the ball forward, and set up all three of the team's goals on the day. She picked up the first three points of her season, and continues to be a voice on the Cardinal's back line. The other Cardinal to score on the day was Rosie Caley, who scored her first collegiate goal of the season. The freshman has stepped up as one of the Cardinal's top shot takers this year, leading the team with 16 shots and seven shots on goal, while holding a .438 shot on goal percentage. With the first goal of her career under her belt, Caley looks to use the goal as momentum as she continues through her freshman season.
Over the next two and a half weeks, the Cardinals will be tested with some of the top teams in the MEC. It begins on Sunday against Fairmont State, who was the #2 seed in the MEC North a season ago, and continues into their Wednesday matchup against defending MEC Champion West Virginia State. Three of the next five games for the Cardinals will come against teams who played in the 2024 MEC Tournament Semifinal round. After making it for the second time in three seasons last year, Wheeling is looking to show that not only can they make the MEC Tournament this season, but that they can compete in it. The Cardinals currently sit tied for the #3 seed in the MEC North Division with Point Park for the final two Tournament spots. The Cardinals will look to pick up at least one crucial point on Sunday to keep them in a strong position heading into October.
The Matchup
The Cardinals and Falcons are meeting for the 21st time in program history on Sunday, with Fairmont State leading the all-time series at 14-5-1. Wheeling's only tie with the Falcons came at home, where they are 1-8-1 in 10 games, compared to a 3-7 mark when they hit the road. However, the Cardinals are looking to break a 14-game losing streak at the hands of Fairmont State, dating back to the 2017 season, when the Cardinals beat Fairmont State 1-0 in a game played on October 25th.
The last meeting between the two teams came on October 27th, 2024, in a game that Fairmont State would win 2-0. The Cardinals were led by Lily Hanna, who took one shot and put it on goal, while Nyah Smith and former Cardinal Theresa Markwei each took shots in the game. Sam Faulkner got the start in net for the Cardinals, making eight saves on 10 shots faced on the day.
The Details
Kick-off for Sunday's game is scheduled for 2 PM inside Bishop Schmitt Field. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
