Wheeling, W. Va. - The Wheeling Men's Soccer Team (0-0)(0-1) are set for their 2026 home opener this Sunday, August 30th, as they welcome Walsh to Bishop Schmitt field for another non-conference fixture. The season opener last time out was a narrow 2-1 loss at the hands of Cal-U, after being 1 up at the break.

It was an encouraging performance for the Cardinals in their first outing of the season, with multiple bright sparks to speak of. Freshman goalkeeper out of Venezuela Alberto Madail made some fantastic saves throughout the game, most notably towards the end of the first half, where a diving save to tip the shot over the bar kept Wheeling ahead. He finished his Wheeling debut with three saves and will look so build on his strong showing against Walsh tomorrow.

The goalscorer for Wheeling came from another on Debut, Luis Yanes, just minutes after being subbed on. It was a corner that broke the deadlock, as Andoni Pipaon crossed into Jorgen Bjerkreim who flicked onto Yanes at the back post to guide it home and put Wheeling one to the good. Wheeling finished the game with 6 shots but only 1 on target, a stat that nee head coach Shearer will be circling as the Cardinals will look to trouble the Walsh keeper tomorrow.

Wheeling last met Walsh some 14 years ago at home, where they came away victorious by 4 goals to 3. The trip to Bishop Schmitt field on Sunday will be Walsh's season opener, after their game against Pitt Johnstown on Thursday was postponed. Walsh finished last season with a 3-10-5 record, with no away wins. Wheeling lost their last 5 at home to end the 2025 season, so will be eager to get a new season at home off to a fast start on Sunday.

Wheeling's home opener against Walsh will kick off from Bishop Schmitt field at 6pm.