The Wheeling Men's Soccer team (0-2)(1-3) return again to Bishop Schmitt Field tomorrow for the Battle of Wheeling, as they welcome West Liberty in what is set to be a thriller. Wheeling came up just short last Wednesday against Frostburg, with the Bobcats attack a little too strong for the Cardinals as they lost 3-1. Jon-Michael Gordon was the lone goalscorer for Wheeling on Wednesday, following a set piece taken by Pablo Prieto in the 66th minute.

Tomorrow's fixture against the Hiltopper's marks the 16th time the two sides have met since their first matchup in 2018, with the Cardinals taking three points in five of those meetings and one point in two. The rest went to the Hilltoppers, with one being their most recent meeting a year ago. It was some of the best soccer the Cardinals played all year, as Jon-Michael Gordon netted two to put the Cardinals 3-2 up with 10 to play. West Liberty then came back with two agonising goals late in the game to take the win in what was Wheeling's last game of the season. It was definitely a bitter way to end 2025, and Jack Shearer will be eager for revenge as they welcome them back tomorrow.

West Liberty are unbeaten thus far in 2026, currently boasting a 3-0 record to start the season. They are coming straight off the back of a close 3-2 win over Point Park, grabbing the winner in the last minutes of the game. The Hilltoppers are currently averaging 10 shots on target a game in 2026, with the Cardinals over 5 less with 4.75. Testing the keeper late in the game has seemingly been the key to West Liberty's success so far in 2026, and the Cardinal back line will need to be as organised as ever to keep tomorrows opponents at bay. The Cardinals have four wins and one draw in 7 meetings against the Hilltoppers at home, and with a Sunday evening tie tomorrow, the home crowd will be key to spur Wheeling on to find three points.

Tomorrow's 'Battle for Wheeling' will get underway from Bishop Schmitt Field at 7pm.