The No. 12 Marshall Men's Soccer team secured a thrilling 3-2 win in double overtime against No. 17 West Virginia, advancing to the Sun Belt Conference Championship. This victory is notable as it's Marshall's first win in Morgantown since 1997. The Herd will face UCF, the fifth seed, in the title game on Sunday. Freshman Joao Alves played a key role, scoring the decisive penalty kick in the 110th minute after a VAR-reviewed handball. The match was characterized by intense back-and-forth action, with standout performances from both offenses and defenses.

By the Numbers
  • Marshall held a record of 11-2-5 for the season.
  • The match featured 18 total shots by West Virginia and 9 corner kicks.
State of Play
  • The Herd's victory allows them to compete in their third consecutive SBC Title Match.
  • Coaching staff emphasized the motivation stemming from past criticisms regarding performance in Morgantown.
What's Next

Marshall will aim for its second SBC Tournament Championship in three years as they prepare for the final against UCF on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Bottom Line

This victory not only boosts Marshall's confidence but also reflects their resilience and preparation, marking a significant moment in their season as they strive to secure the championship title.