Women’s Soccer Preview
By: Ethan Peltier FM88 Sports
9/2/26
HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WMUL-FM) — Marshall women’s soccer returns home Thursday at Hoops Family Field looking to keep its strong start to the 2026 season rolling against Murray State, which is still searching for its first win.
The Thundering Herd enters Thursday’s matchup 3-1-1 after earning a 1-0 road victory over UT Martin on Sunday. Junior midfielder Lea Misch provided the difference, heading home the game-winning goal in the 30th minute as Marshall held on for its first shutout of the season. Goalkeeper Emma Durand anchored the defensive effort, recording six saves in the clean sheet.
The victory continues a positive trajectory for Marshall under third-year head coach Rafa Simoes. After finishing 3-8-5 and seventh in the Sun Belt Conference in 2024, the Herd improved to 8-5-4 and a third-place finish in 2025.
Marshall returns several key contributors from last season, including Durand, Luiza Travassos and Misch. The Herd has also continued to build around a diverse roster featuring a large contingent of international players, a notable part of Simoes’ approach during his time in Huntington.
Murray State enters Thursday’s match from a much different position.
The Racers are 0-4-1 to begin the season and have been outscored 10-3, including three shutouts in their first five matches. Murray State has also struggled to generate offensive pressure, averaging just over eight shots per game while allowing more than 20.
Thursday marks another early test for first-year head coach Ben Madsen, who spent the previous 14 seasons with Auburn. Madsen helped the Tigers reach eight NCAA Tournaments, including trips to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, before taking over at Murray State.
The Racers are relying heavily on a young roster, with only three players — Breece Bass, Abby Dalessandro and Reagan Tate — accounting for their goals this season. With Murray State still searching for its first victory, Thursday presents an opportunity to halt its early-season slide and begin moving in the right direction.
For Marshall, the challenge is different: continue building on a promising start before the start of Sun Belt Conference play.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at Hoops Family Field. The match will be broadcast live on WMUL-FM 88.1, with FM 88 Sports’ Ethan Peltier and Owen James on the call