Buckhannon, W.Va - The Wheeling Men's Soccer Team (1-5)(2-1) traveled to West Virginia Wesleyan this afternoon, looking to bounce back from Saturday's defeat to Concord and secure their first win in the MEC. A strike from Jon-Michael Gordon late in the first half proved to be the lone and winning goal for the Cardinals, as they stood strong through a late game on the road.
The Bobcats looked to start the game on the front foot, and they had the first chance of the afternoon just before the clock hit four minutes, as Henry Coster's effort was saved by Alberto Madail in the Cardinal goal. Both sides traded chances as the game approached the 20th minute, with Wheeling bringing on Davide Massa in midfield with hopes of sparking some attacking momentum. The Cardinals soon found their range as Massa had a shot miss just wide, before Elie Simon tested Wesleyan keeper Lucas Fry with a low shot in the 31st minute.
The breakthrough finally came in the 39th minute, as Jon-Michael Gordon fired a shot into the top right corner to put Wheeling 1-0 up. The Cardinals brought on Jose Garcia and David Montoya Cuadros following the goal, and Davide Massa nearly doubled the lead shortly after with a shot that missed just over. Wheeling stood strong at the back for the final few minutes, and the half came to a close with the score 1-0 Wheeling.
Wesleyan came out of the break looking for an equalizer, and Alberto Madail was called upon in the 53rd minute to deny Max Ottenheijm. Wheeling soon settled into a rhythm, with Elie Simon and Javier Ramos both seeing shots go just over as the Cardinals hunted for a second.
The best chance to double the lead came in the 81st minute, as Wheeling were awarded a penalty, but Elie Simon was unable to convert. Wesleyan made the Cardinals pay for the miss with a late flurry, as Chris Gonzalez struck the crossbar and Alberto Madail made two big saves in the 86th and 87th minutes. Wheeling stood strong through the final minutes, and the game finished 1-0.
The Wheeling Men's Soccer Team return to action on Sunday, October 4th, when they welcome the University of Charleston to Bishop Schmitt Field.
