Marshall Dominates Oakland 4-0 in Soccer Season Opener
In a thrilling start to their 2023 soccer season, the No. 11 Marshall Thundering Herd showcased their dominance with a resounding 4-0 victory over Oakland. The match took place in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 1,492 fans at Hoops Family Field/Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex in Huntington, West Virginia.
The Thundering Herd’s success can be attributed, in part, to their meticulous approach to team building. Head coach Chris Grassie and his players worked tirelessly since late June, when they embarked on a trip to Brazil. The team engaged in intensive training sessions, fostered camaraderie, and participated in a series of exhibitions in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The experience proved instrumental in laying the foundation for the season ahead.
Marshall wasted no time asserting their authority in the game, with Matthew Bell, the reigning SBC Freshman of the Year and first-team All-Sun Belt player, finding the back of the net just 1 minute and 33 seconds into the match. Bell, who recently learned that he has been included in the 2023 Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Herman Trophy Watch List, went on to score two more goals, securing the first hat trick of his career. Alvaro Garcia-Pascual provided two assists, while Adam Aoumaich contributed one, adding to the team’s impressive performance.
Notably, Bell remains humble, stating that his focus lies on the collective efforts of the team rather than individual accolades. His teammates also hold him in high regard, recognizing his exceptional talent and character.
Garcia-Pascual, a transfer from Coastal Carolina, is mindful of the expectations placed upon him as he adapts to his new environment. Having scored ten goals for his former team, he acknowledges the pressure that comes with wearing the Marshall jersey. However, he is pleased with the team’s triumph and is determined to maintain their winning momentum.
Following last season’s exceptional run that saw Marshall reach the third round of the NCAA Tournament, the Thundering Herd are poised for another successful campaign. They will continue their journey on Monday, facing Wright State at home with kick-off scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
Coach Grassie expressed his satisfaction with Bell’s outstanding performance, highlighting the importance of players stepping up and scoring goals. He also commended Garcia-Pascual as a reliable team player, emphasizing his strength and positive influence.
Marshall’s dominance extended beyond the scoreboard, as they registered an impressive total of 29 shots, with 12 on target. Defensively, they restricted Oakland to just two shots, none of which were on goal. Gabriel Perrotta, one of the team’s four goalkeepers, demonstrated his prowess by completing the entire match. His record last season, including five wins, four draws, seven losses, eight shutouts, and a commendable 0.083 goals-against average, speaks volumes about his ability to contribute to Marshall’s success.
Aymane Sordo sealed the Thundering Herd’s victory with a goal in the 77th minute, assisted by Theo Godar. Despite a slight dip in performance during the second half, Coach Grassie remains optimistic, identifying areas for improvement and emphasizing the team’s commitment to progress.
Before their encounter with Oakland, the Thundering Herd engaged in exhibitions against Michigan and Robert Morris. In the SBC preseason poll, they were selected as the second-ranked team, trailing behind defending league champions Kentucky, who secured the third spot in the initial United Soccer Coaches poll.
Marshall’s early-season fixtures heavily favor home advantage, as they are set to play five of their first six matches at their home ground. Their sole away game is scheduled for September 5 against No. 5 Pittsburgh.
In summary, Marshall delivered an exhilarating performance in their season opener, overwhelming Oakland with their attacking prowess and resolute defense. With Bell leading the charge and new additions integrating seamlessly into the team, Coach Grassie’s vision for success seems well on its way to fruition. Marshall’s fans eagerly anticipate the team’s upcoming encounters as they endeavor to cement their place as a leading force in college soccer.
