Marshall Women’s Soccer Preview
By Ethan Peltier, FM88 Sports
Sept. 11, 2025
HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WMUL-FM) — Marshall women’s soccer hosts West Virginia on Thursday at Hoops Family Field, marking the first time the in-state rivals have faced each other in more than a decade and the first time the Herd has hosted since 1999.
“We know history is not coming to us,” Marshall head coach Rafa Simoes said. “We have to chase and write those chapters.”
The Herd has started the season strong, outscoring opponents 15-5 with two shutouts en route to a 4-1 record, its best start since 2023, when it opened 5-0-1. WVU, meanwhile, presents an entirely different challenge.
The Mountaineers (4-2) have dominated their last three games, posting shutouts in each. Their only two losses have come against ranked opponents.
“[The Mountaineers] are a good team. They did well the last few years,” Marshall midfielder Lea Misch said. “We build up to get there, and we are on a good way.”
For Marshall, Thursday’s match is more than just another regular-season contest; it is an opportunity to make a statement on a national stage.
“It’s a very big game,” Marshall senior Luiza Travassos said. “But honestly, I think we need to focus on us. We should play every game like we have to win.”
Travassos, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has logged more than 2,000 minutes of playing time throughout her Marshall career.
Simoes encouraged Marshall fans to pack Hoops Family Field for a night of festivities, as the Marshall Soccer Alumni Chapter will host a sponsored tailgate from 5 to 7 p.m. next to the stadium.
“We know [the fans] will be the 12th player,” Simoes said. “We just hope to make that a good environment to help us succeed.”
WVU holds the edge in the series 4-0 and has never allowed a goal to Marshall. Thursday’s match is set for 7 p.m., you can tune in on 88.1 WMUL-FM or through the livestream on stream one at marshall.edu/wmul, FM88 Sports director Ben Anderson will be on the call with FM88 Sports’ Elliot Quicke.