Institute, W. Va. - The Wheeling University women's soccer team battled West Virginia State to a 2-2 draw Wednesday evening, taking a two-goal lead into halftime before the Yellow Jackets rallied for two second half goals. The draw moves Wheeling to 0-7-1 overall and 0-5-1 in Mountain East Conference (MEC) play, while West Virginia State moves to 3-2-3 overall and 3-1-2 in conference play.
Wheeling controlled the opening half and broke through in the 18th minute when Theresa Markwei found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. The Cardinals continued to create chances and doubled their advantage in the 37th minute when
Jeanery Diaz scored her third goal of the season. Wheeling took the 2-0 lead into the halftime break after outshooting the Yellow Jackets 5-1 during the opening 45 minutes.
West Virginia State responded early in the second half, cutting the deficit in half when Leila Karam converted a penalty kick in the 54th minute. The Yellow Jackets continued to pressure the Cardinals before Kaylee Smith found the equalizer in the 78th minute, scoring off assists from Maria Alejandra Hernandez Diaz and Karam. Wheeling goalkeeper
Katelyn MacInnis finished with one save while West Virginia State goalkeeper Celina Seggelmann made three saves.
The Cardinals finished the night with a 7-6 advantage in total shots and put five attempts on goal compared to three for West Virginia State.
Maira Alevato added two shots with one on frame, while Markwei recorded two shots and two shots on goal to go with her goal.
Sophia Bare also put a shot on target, while Diaz finished with one shot and one goal. Wheeling was held without a corner kick, while the Yellow Jackets finished with six.
Wheeling now returns home Sunday for another MEC matchup as the Cardinals take on Concord. The match is slated for 2 p.m.
