Buckhannon, W. Va. — The Wheeling University women's soccer team battled West Virginia Wesleyan Wednesday evening, but the Bobcats scored once in each half to hand the Cardinals a 2-0 loss at Culpepper Stadium. Wheeling falls to 0-9-1 overall and 0-7-1 in Mountain East Conference play, while West Virginia Wesleyan improves to 4-4-2 overall and 4-3-1 in conference action.
The Cardinals created several opportunities in the opening minutes, with
Theresah Markwei and
Graceylyn Hanna each forcing saves from West Virginia Wesleyan goalkeeper Reyna Dalton before the Bobcats broke through in the sixth minute. Mia Rodriguez scored at the 5:20 mark off an assist from Natalie Carlock to give West Virginia Wesleyan an early 1-0 advantage. Wheeling continued to pressure throughout the half, with Markwei recording four shots and three more Cardinals putting attempts on frame, but Dalton made four saves to preserve the Bobcats' lead at halftime.
Wheeling continued to search for the equalizer after halftime, but West Virginia Wesleyan's defense kept the Cardinals off the scoreboard. The Bobcats doubled their advantage in the 79th minute when Rodriguez scored her second goal of the night. Wheeling goalkeeper
Alba Lopez Guerrero kept the Cardinals within striking distance throughout the match, making five saves on seven shots on goal.
The Cardinals finished the game with nine shots and put seven attempts on goal. Markwei led Wheeling with four shots, all four of which were on target, while Hanna added two shots and two shots on goal. Dalton finished with seven saves to preserve the shutout for the Bobcats.
Wheeling will return home Sunday, October 4, when the Cardinals host Charleston at Bishop Schmitt Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
