Wheeling, W. Va. - The Wheeling University women's soccer team returned to Bishop Schmitt Field Sunday afternoon for its Senior Day matchup against Point Park. The Cardinals battled the Pioneers through a scoreless first half, but a late goal proved to be the difference as Point Park earned a 1-0 victory. Wheeling moves to 1-14-2 overall and 1-12-2 in Mountain East Conference (MEC) play and Point Park improves to 11-5-1 overall and 11-3-1 in MEC play.
The Cardinals held their own defensively throughout the opening half, keeping Point Park off the scoreboard despite the visitors recording nine shots. Goalkeeper
Katelyn MacInnis made five saves before halftime to help Wheeling enter the break tied 0-0. The Cardinals also created opportunities of their own, with
Sophia Bare putting a shot on target and
Maira Alevato forcing a save from Point Park goalkeeper Nicole Kuchinski.
Wheeling continued to battle after halftime, looking to break through offensively while maintaining its defensive pressure. However, Point Park found the deciding goal in the 80th minute when Rebecca Pihlgren scored her sixth goal of the year at the 79:42 mark. The Cardinals looked for an equalizer in the closing minutes but were unable to find the back of the net.
The Cardinals finished with 10 shots, including four on goal, while Point Park recorded 15 shots and nine attempts on target. MacInnis finished the afternoon with eight saves, matching her season-high, while Bare led Wheeling with three shots.
Nyah Smith also recorded a shot on goal, as did
Rosie Caley and
Maira Alevato. Kuchinski made four saves to preserve the shutout for Point Park.
Sunday's matchup marked Wheeling's final regular-season home game of the season as the Cardinals recognized their seniors before kickoff. Wheeling now turns its attention to the road, traveling to face West Liberty on Wednesday, October 28, in the season finale.
