Wheeling, W. Va. - Wheeling Men's Soccer looks to improve their performance from last year, as they bring in new, young talent. They open their 2025 season at home against CAL-U on Thursday with kickoff at 7 PM. The Cardinals look to start the season strong as they prepare for the Mountain East Conference (MEC) schedule starting Sunday, September 7.
The Cardinals have been building a strong core with their young talent stepping into their sophomore and junior season. The junior and senior class has helped the team double their overall total wins over the last two seasons, and are looking to increase it even more this year. They continue to rebuild the program by bringing in eight freshmen that will add to their talent selection for the year.
The Cardinals started their 2024 season on a strong note with a tie against non-conference CAl-U, but slowly lost their footing as they stepped into MEC play. They were still able to keep their opponents to a minimal score difference in their more challenging games. The Cardinals would wrack up two ties in conference play against Point Park and Davis & Elkins, while then achieving their first conference win during their second matchup against Point Park. They would gain their second win in one of their last games of the 2024 season against Salem.
As they prepare for the 2025 season, the Cardinals will be welcoming back Jon-Michael Gordon to the field, as he was out 2024 season due to injury. Gordon led the Cardinals in his freshman season with four goals and two assists, while totaling 10 points. Joining Gordon would be Jordan Taylor who received 2024 MEC All-Freshman team honoree after tying for the team lead with three goals, and leading the team with 21 shots and 10 shots on goal. Gordon and Taylor look to lead the Cardinal offense in a more powering season.
Returning in net for the Cardinals will be Daniel Delo. He assumed the team's starting role last season and appeared in nine games for the Cardinals, finishing with 37 saves and a healthy 64.9 save percentage on the season. He played a big role on the defensive end, helping its success by only allowing two goals or fewer in six of the nine games he started. His 4.11 saves/game would rank fourth in the MEC and he will look to be a force in net for the Cardinals once again.
The Match-up
The Cardinals and Vulcans will be meeting for the 17th time in program history. They met last year for their season opener for the 2024 season, and would tie the Vulcans 1-1 to start their season strong. CAL-U out shot the Cardinals 12-3, but the Cardinals out saved the Vulcans 5-0. The Cardinals held the Vulcans 1-0 until the 73rd minute where the Vulcans tied it up. The Cardinals look to increase their scoring against CAL-U this year, as they bring in new talent.
Kickoff for Thursday's match is scheduled for 7 PM at Bishop Schmitt Field.
