Wheeling, W. Va. — The Wheeling University women's soccer team battled Charleston Sunday afternoon at Bishop Schmitt Field, but the Golden Eagles used three goals to earn a 3-1 victory over the Cardinals. Wheeling falls to 0-10-1 overall and 0-8-1 in Mountain East Conference (MEC) play, while Charleston improves to 4-4-3 overall and 4-2-3 in MEC action.
Charleston struck early, taking the lead just 4:03 into the match when Zailee Roberts found the back of the net off an assist from Li-Lou Debaecker. Wheeling goalkeeper
Alba Lopez Guerrero kept the Cardinals within striking distance throughout the opening half, making five saves as Charleston generated 15 shots. Wheeling's best chances came late in the half, with
Jeanery Diaz putting two shots toward goal in the final six minutes, but the Cardinals entered halftime trailing 1-0.
The Golden Eagles doubled their advantage in the 65th minute when Abigail Harrison scored her fourth goal of the season. Charleston added another goal less than nine minutes later, with Sydney Crowe finding the net at the 73:32 mark off an assist from Emilía Dís Óskarsdóttir. The Cardinals continued to battle and finally broke through in the 83rd minute when
Lily Hanna scored her second goal of the season off an assist from
Jabes Martinez Rodriguez.
Hanna led the Cardinals offensively with six shots and three shots on goal, while Diaz added two shots and one attempt on frame. Wheeling finished with eight total shots and four on goal, while Charleston recorded 22 shots and 10 on target. Lopez Guerrero finished with six saves in goal for the Cardinals, while Charleston goalkeeper Ines Degli Esposti made two saves to preserve the Golden Eagles' victory.
Wheeling will remain at home Wednesday when the Cardinals welcome Shawnee State to Bishop Schmitt Field for a 4 p.m. matchup.
