Diego Marquez would lead the Cardinal’s defensive effort in net, making his collegiate debut against the defending champions. In total, he would face five shots on the night, saving four of them, and keeping Wheeling within striking distance. He would face a big push from the Golden Eagles in the final four minutes of the first half and was able to keep the Golden Eagles off the board. He made saves in both the 41st minute and the 44th minute as the teams went into halftime with the 1-0 score holding. He would make back-to-back saves in the 62nd minute to round out his day. He would finish with an .800 save percentage in his collegiate debut and looks to be part of a strong Wheeling goalkeeper group in 2025.
Marquez’s success would not have been possible without the work of the Cardinal’s backline. Pablo Prieto, Ruesca Martinez, and Hallvard Falch would start on that backline and held the Golden Eagles to a .250 shot on goal percentage for the game. After they conceded the first goal of the day, Charleston would put just four more shots on goal the rest of the night as Wheeling pressured the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, Andoni Pipaon continued to step up for the Cardinals, putting one of two Cardinal shots on net. He was the Cardinal’s leader against West Liberty, taking three shots and putting two of those on net, and has taken a team-best four shots, putting three on net over the last two games. He has been the team’s main free kick taker this season and looks to continue to be a strong presence in the midfield.
As they continue their MEC schedule, defense has been a driving factor in the Cardinal’s early season push. Since starting conference play, the Cardinals have allowed an average of 1.00 goals/game, placing them in a tie for second in the MEC with Frostburg State and Concord. Sunday marks one of just two home games for the team over the next three weeks to round out September. It is a part of a stretch that has seen Wheeling play four of their first seven games away from Bishop Schmitt Field. They look to take advantage of their early season chances t home as they push for one of the top six spots in the conference in the battle for the MEC Tournament.
The Matchup
The Cardinals and Pioneers are meeting for the seventh time in program history, with Wheeling leading the all-time series at 4-0-2. At Bishop Schmitt Field, Wheeling holds a 2-0-1 record against the Pioneers, while averaging 1.33 goals/game in those matchups. The Cardinals have come away with at least one point in each of the previous six meetings, including winning two of the last four matchups.
The last meeting between the two teams came on October 20th, 2024, in a match the Cardinals would win 1-0. Leading the way was Antonio Herra-Blackwood, who finished with the lone Cardinal goal of the day while taking four shots and putting two of those on net. Former Cardinal Carlos Molina would get the start in net, making four saves in the shutout, while Jordan Taylor took four shots, putting one of those on net.
The Details
Kick-off for Sunday’s game is scheduled for noon at Bishop Schmitt Field. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
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