BUCKHANNON — In dramatic fashion, the West Virginia Wesleyan men’s soccer team captured its first victory of the 2025 season, edging Wheeling University 1-0 at Culpepper Stadium on Sunday afternoon. A late-game strike from senior forward Casey Bunker in the 89th minute proved to be the difference in a hard-fought Mountain East Conference matchup.
The opening 45 minutes were marked by limited opportunities for either side. Wesleyan and Wheeling each tallied just a few shots and exchanged midfield possession, with both teams’ defensive lines holding firm. Bobcat goalkeeper Matteo Marciani was sharp from the outset, recording two first-half saves to keep the match scoreless
Wesleyan found a spark in the second half, outshooting Wheeling 5-2 and controlling more of the possession. Despite strong goalkeeping from Wheeling’s Diego Marquez, who finished with three saves, the Bobcats persisted.
In the 89th minute, the breakthrough came. Following a period of sustained pressure, Bunker capitalized on a loose ball in the box and placed it past the keeper into the bottom right corner. The game-winning goal marked Bunker’s first of the season.
Marciani and the Wesleyan back line were unshakable in the closing moments. With Noel Ellis, Moises Moncada, and Daylon Riley anchoring the defense, the Bobcats limited Wheeling to just five total shots and three on target.
