Men’s Soccer Recap
By: Rhys Owens, Traffic Director & Sports Editor, FM88 Sports’
Huntington W.va – Marshall Men’s soccer began the night with a top 20 ranking and an undefeated record. It ended its third home game of the season with a loss and its spot in the top 25 on the ropes.
The Thundering Herd (2-1-2) took on the Utah Valley University Wolverines (4-0-1) in a matchup of two stellar college soccer squads.
The Wolverines came into the game just on the outskirts of the top 25 and left town with a 2-1 victory in enemy territory.
Utah Valley scored the opening goal in the 11th before Marshall answered in the 24th. The Wolverines would score the game sealing goal right after halftime in the 46th minute.
The Herd played a clean game only fouling eight times to the Wolverines nine, while also attempting 11 corners to the oppositions two. Utah Valley saw the lone bookings on the evening, two yellows given to defensemen. However, the Wolverines were undeterred, sitting back in defense and relying on stellar play during Marshall’s numerous set pieces.
Creation was ever present in Marshall’s attack as it ended the game with 20 shots, seven of which came on goal. However, finishing was the bane of Marshalls existence as Utah Valley keeper Kolby “Fish” Sessions came up clutch with six saves, four in the second half.
Marshall controlled much of the contest but was unable to take true hold of a game with a box score that paints a different picture than the result.
The Herd is moving on to greener pastures, and the rolling hills of the Bluegrass State, as Marshall travels to Lexington to face conference foe University of Kentucky in a matchup that has massive Sun Belt implications.
Marshall is 9-12 against the Wildcats in program history; the last contest between the two saw the Herd win 4-1, here in Huntington only a year ago.
That game is scheduled for September 18th, with first touch at 7 p.m.