The Wheeling University Men's Soccer Team traveled to West Liberty today, with all eyes on clinching a playoff spot. The Cardinals needed a win, but ultimately fell just short as they drew 1-1 with the Hilltopers.
It was a cagey first 15 minutes as the 'Battle for Wheeling' got underway, with the Cardinals eager to get shots off and momentum rolling. Neither team could find an effort at goal, or a shot from the 18 yard box, as long shots were sent flying from both teams. Elie Simon finally troubled the West Liberty keeper in the 16th minute with a shot across goal that was palmed away for a corner by the man in net, and Wheeling looked to have found the momentum they were looking for.
Despite some pressure from West Liberty at the other end, Wheeling stayed high up the pitch and looked for the opener. Both Antonio Herra Blackwood and Charlie Goldsmith got shots off inside the box as the clock ticked over the half hour mark, but couldn't find the target. It was an end to end game however, as every shot the Cardinals had seemed to be followed up by a West Liberty chance. Alberto Madail made some good stops with minutes left to go in the half, and the whistle blew with the score 0-0.
The Cardinals opened the second half strong, knowing they needed a goal desperately for their postseason hopes. With just six minutes of the half gone, Wheeling had the chance they were looking for as the ball fell to Jon-Michael Gordon on the edge of the six yard box. With the ball bouncing, Gordon pulled it slightly, and the Cardinals missed the opener inches wide. To make matters worse, West Liberty instantly set off on a counter attack up the other end, and scored following a corner kick. With 35 minutes left in the half, the Cardinals now needed two goals to clinch the playoffs, and weren't going down without a fight.
A host of substitutions came as the game passed the hour mark, and Wheeling were seeing good chances down the right hand side. Enzo Boulaoued and Reilly Nickles both tried their chances from the edge of the box, but nothing could find its way past the Hilltoppers back line. The Cardinals were in desperate need of an equalizer with time quickly running out, and just as the clock struck 80 minutes, they found themselves with a free-kick on the edge of the box. Luis Yanes the kick taker drove one low below the wall, taking the keeper off guard to find the bottom right corner, and put Wheeling level. The Cardinals had been given hope, and almost instantly got their second, as Reilly Nickles had what looked like the winner saved in the 86th. With time running out, West Liberty did their best to frustrate the Cardinals and punt the ball upfield. Wheeling's last chance of the game came in the 89th minute, where Elie Simon found space and the ball at his feet on the edge of the box. After a good strike, the ball narrowly missed wide, and Wheeling's hopes of the playoffs looked to be over.
The game finished 1-1, with the Cardinals falling just short after a brave effort. With the draw, the game against West Liberty will be the last in a positive season for the Cardinals and Jack Shearer.
