Marshall University Athletics
WMU Tops Men's Soccer, 2-1
10/10/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
WMU Tops Men's Soccer, 2-1
10/10/2004
- Box Score
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The offense of the Western Michigan Broncos recorded two goals against the Thundering Herd while the defense held the Herd in check to earn a 2-1 win Sunday afternoon in Mid-American Conference men's soccer action.
The Herd (5-5-2, 2-2-1 MAC) took a 1-0 lead just over 16 minutes into the game when Kirk Gibson (Allen, TX) scored on an assits from freshman Jeff Lenix (Westerville, OH).
At the 42 minute mark, Western Michigan (4-6-0, 1-2-0 MAC) scored to tie the game up at one goal each.
Just after WMU tied the game up, Marshall midfielder Karim Boukhemis (Huntington, WV) received a red card and was ejected from the game, which meant that MU would have to play one man down for the rest of the game.
That came back to haunt the Herd as just over 13 minutes into the second half, Tom Oatley scored for WMU to take the lead.
Marshall was able to keep the game close and near the end of the second half, Jeff Lenix had a chance to tie the game, but hit the post on a header after a free kick.
WMU was able to hold off Marshall and earn the 2-1 victory. The Broncos offense tallied 15 shots in the game while their defense limited Marshall to only five shots.
Herd coach Bob Gray was disappointed with the outcome of the game. "When you have to play a man down for over half of the game, it makes it tough," Gray said. "It was just a tough match, our guys played pretty well for being down a man, but we are still disappointed with the result."
MU goaltender Joe Nebel (Brentwood, TN) had a solid effort for the Herd, recording five saves on seven shots on goal. Ian Spooner made two saves on three Herd shots on goal.
The Herd will play four non-conference games over the next two weeks before finishing the MAC season at home against Buffalo. Next weekend, MU will host non-conference opponents Alabama A&M and Longwood. Alabama A&M will travel to Huntington on Saturday for a game at 2 p.m. while the game against Longwood will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Both games will take place at Sam Hood Field and admission is free.
