WHEELING, W. Va. – University of Charleston's struggle to adjust to the bad pitch conditions cost them a victory against Wheeling Jesuit University on Wednesday afternoon in Wheeling, WV. It took 70 minutes for Golden Eagles to find their rhythm, establish the possession, and put significant pressure on Cardinals.

Wheeling was able to take the lead early in the game after Luke Roan and David Healy used the miscommunication in Charleston's defense to their advantage and combined for Healy's 21^st minute goal.  Charleston tried to bounce back several minutes later when Lewis Osborne (Wakefield, England) made an excellent run for Conor Branson's through ball, but Cardinals' goal keeper Cody Thompson kept his net calm. Despite Charleston outshooting Wheeling Jesuit 10-4, Cardinals' compact defense combined with appalling field conditions managed to stop wave after wave of Golden Eagles' attacks, all the way until the 78^th minute of the game.

Jules Gabbiadini (York, England) was able to find a piece of flat ground and fire an excellent shot 35 yards away from the goal to tie the game for Eagles. This goal gave Charleston necessary confidence as they created a few more excellent chances before the 90 minute mark. One of those was Kody Harrell's chance to put the Eagles ahead, but his close range shot that just barely missed Cardinals' net.

Extra time brought even more intensity out of Charleston's players as they once again outshot Cardinals 8-3.Leighton Richards (Glen Allen, VA) had Charleston's best over-time opportunity, but his one-on-one chance to slip the ball past goalkeeper Thompson ended up away from Cardinals' goal.

The Golden Eagles will face Slippery Rock University at home on Sunday afternoon. The UC men kick off at 3pm at Schoenbaum Stadium in Coonskin Park.

UC moves to 4-2-1 so far on the season.