Wheeling, W. Va. - The Wheeling University Men's Soccer team (0-0, 0-0) gets their 2026 campaign underway tomorrow as they travel to California University of Pennsylvania (Cal-U) for a non-conference fixture with kick off at 7pm. It will mark the start of a new era for the Wheeling Men's Soccer program, as Head Coach Jack Shearer will begin his tenure after guiding the Cardinals through fall camp.
Both Cal-U and Wheeling had very similar 2025 seasons, with each team averaging around 0.75 goals a game and 2.4 goals conceded. California managed two wins in 2025, with one coming against Wheeling in the same fixture this time last year. Played at Bishop Schmitt field, Cal-U would come out victorious by a 3-0 score, before going on to beat Malone a week later in another shutout, which would be their last win of the season. This was Wheeling's 9th loss to Cal-U in 17 meetings, with six of the other eight results going to Wheeling and three ending in a draw.
2026 will mark the third straight year that these two teams have faced off in the opening game, with Wheeling yet to come out victorious. The last time Wheeling did come out victorious against Thursday's opponents was at the Phillipsburg Soccer Complex of Cal-U in 2024. 2026 co-captain Jorgen Bjerkriem was the lone Cardinal on the scoresheet with a header that day in what was a 1-0 win.
Wheeling retains their core group from the 2025 season with a host of new additions from head coach Shearer. Captains Jorgen Bjerkreim and Pablo Prieto forming the back line, which built a strong foundation for the Cardinals a season ago. The group held their opponents to two goals or fewer eight times a season ago. While serving as the team's center back, Prieto would step up to help the offense as well, finishing with two goals and one assist to total 13 points. Alex Yesufu rounds out the defensive group on the wing and, like Prieto, was also able to contribute to the offense with two goals and one assist during the year.
Leading the offensive side of the ball is redshirt junior Jon-Michael Gordon, who was the team's leading scorer a season ago. He notched three goals on the season, while leading the way with 29 shots and putting 11 on goal. Midfielders Andoni Pipaon and Elie Simon racked up over a combined 2000 minutes for the Cardinals last season and are both back again this year. Simon was a member of the MEC All-Freshman team, finishing with one goal and two points, while Pipaon led the team with three assists, playing a key role in the passing game. Goalkeeper Diego Marquez rounds out the list of returners, following an impressive 2025 between the sticks as he averaged 4.25 saves a game.
The Wheeling Men's Soccer team will know what to expect with a visit to Cal tomorrow, and will no doubt be hungrier than ever for a fast start to the season as they get underway in the Phillipsburg Complex at 7pm. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
