BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – Salem University men's soccer created chances throughout but fell 2-0 to Wheeling University on Wednesday night at The Bridge.

The Cardinals struck first in the 15th minute when Pablo Prieto scored off an assist from Andoni Oynesa. Salem nearly found the equalizer moments later as Giancarlo Pardo rattled the woodwork with a shot in the opening minute and Josue Villegas forced a save in the 11th minute.

Wheeling doubled its lead in the 62nd minute through Antonio Herra-Blackwood, who finished off a pass from Otto Amesty.

The Tigers had their opportunities late, highlighted by second-half efforts from Tommy Sowinski, who put two shots on goal, and Nicolas Del Gaudio, who tested the Wheeling goalkeeper in the 33rd minute. In total, Salem fired seven shots with four on frame and generated 12 corner kicks, including nine in the first half.

Goalkeeper Noah Plummer anchored the back line with four saves, while the defense, led by Ahmad Hajiz and Dylan Vaughn, held off Wheeling's counterattacks down the stretch.

With the result, Salem moves to 1-2-2 on the season, while Wheeling improves to 1-3-1 (0-2-1 MEC). The Tigers return to action this weekend as they continue their homestand at The Bridge.