WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University men's soccer team opened Mountain East Conference play with a 1-1 draw against Ohio Valley rival Wheeling on Sunday afternoon at the West Family Athletic Complex.

After a scoreless first half, the Hilltoppers (0-1-1, 0-0-1 MEC) broke through in the 62nd minute. forward Oskar Voges netted his first goal of the season off a feed from Lachlan Quate, putting WLU in front.

The Cardinals (0-1-1, 0-0-1 MEC) answered just six minutes later when a deflection found its way past the Hilltopper defense to even the match at 1-1.

West Liberty pressed hard for the winner down the stretch, outshooting Wheeling 15-10 on the day and holding a commanding 13-6 edge in corner kicks. Voges led the attack with three shots on goal, while goalkeeper while goalkeeper Shai'ya Henry recorded three saves..

The rivalry's intensity was on full display, with the teams combining for 12 yellow cards (13 total)  in a physical, back-and-forth contest. Both sides traded chances down the stretch, but neither could find a winner.

The result continues WLU's recent dominance in the series, as the Hilltoppers are now 4-0-2 in their last six meetings with Wheeling.

West Liberty is back in action Wednesday night, traveling to Davis & Elkins for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.