Marshall Men’s Soccer Recap
By Victoria LaVonne Wilburn, FM88 Sports
Oct. 15, 2025
HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WMUL-FM) — The weather and atmosphere couldn’t have been any better on a Friday evening. The No. 17 Marshall University Men’s Soccer Team (5-1-4, 3-1-0 SBC) welcomed the No. 19 Kentucky’s Wildcats (5-1-4, 3-1-0 SBC) at Hoops Family Field.
Well over a thousand fans exploded in thunder as Marshall first celebrated on Senior night. A ceremony preceded the anticipated match. Seniors honored for the Herd were: Eddie DeMarco, MoMo Diop, Theo Goddard, Ryan Holmes, Aleksa Janjic, and Rai Pinto.
When the brawl began, Marshall commanded a 1-nil lead, drawing first blood within the first seven minutes of the match with a goal scored by forward Gabriel Stevenato with a pass from Alvaro Alvarez. Aggressiveness was spot on and fan enthusiasm was high as the team played with cohesiveness. Marshall never let up.
Marshall was in full control once they scored a second goal from midfielder Keaviano Francis assisted by Carl Romberg and David de la Vibora, doubling the Herd lead minutes before halftime. The atmosphere was elevated, pushing the momentum and confidence of the Herd.
Marshall picked up where it left off in the second half as the Herd quickly scored. Defender Takahiro Fujita, SBC 2025 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, struck within three minutes after the half. It was a sharp goal into the upper corner of the net assisted from Louie Salkeld. A video review confirmed the goal, giving Marshall a 3-0 advantage.
Nevertheless, the Wildcats would not back down, scoring their first goal in the 83rd minute via Joaquin Brizuela. Yet, a final goal by Marshall’s forward Larry Noel off the bench from a pass setup from Joao Roberto in the 90th minute of the match, sent the crowd into a frenzy of cheers and shouts. The Herd came away with the victory 4-1, and broke the undefeated streak of the Kentucky Wildcats.
After the game, Marshall head coach, Chris Grassie, said, “This is the one we’ve been waiting on. We needed to make ourselves believe.”
The Herd led in corner kicks 7-1 against the Wildcats. Marshall also outshot Kentucky 13-5.