Marshall University Athletics
Men's Soccer Announces 2008 Schedule
4/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
April 22, 2008
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Marshall Thundering Herd soccer team announced its 17-game regular-season schedule, which includes three invitationals and nine nonconference opponents, as released by Marshall Head Coach Bob Gray.
The Herd begins its quest for a NCAA men's soccer tournament appearance with three exhibition games during the month of August. NAIA perennial powerhouse, Rio Grande opens exhibition play, followed by Big 10 member Penn State. Marshall concludes preseason action with VMI.
"We have set ourselves up with several quality matches before the season begins," Gray said. "These early exhibitions tests will give us a great gauge heading into our first tournament."
Marshall opens the regular-season with three tournaments, the first in Davidson, N.C. at the Davidson Invitational, August 29-31. The Herd will square off against the College of Charleston for the first time in the program's history. Marshall finishes play against host, Davidson, the 20th meeting between the two schools.
A nonconference match against NCAA tournament participant Liberty will be on tap next for the Herd for its home opener, Saturday, Sept. 6 at 1:00 p.m.
The Herd returns to tournament action when it travels to Pittsburgh, Pa., for a two-game tournament hosted by Duquesne, Sept. 12-13. Duquesne and Richmond are the two teams slated for competition.
Marshall concludes the tournament portion of its schedule when it participates in the Dayton Tournament in Dayton, Ohio, Sept. 19-21. The Herd and Flyers will meet in the Friday night finale, while Butler and the Herd will wrap up action, Sunday.
Bowling Green is the final nonconference opponent before the Herd opens conference play, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. It marks the second home game of the season for the Herd.
"Playing three away tournaments will be demanding, but they will only make us better when we have to fly to our four away conference matches," Gray added. "As always, the C-USA schedule will be demanding, but with a lot of key players returning, we will be prepared to play these matches."
The Herd remains in Huntington, W.Va., for its four-game home-stand, which includes the conference opener against Kentucky, Oct. 1, followed by a C-USA showdown against UCF, Oct. 4.
The annual alumni gave will give the Herd a break from NCAA competition, Oct. 5, before it travels to Tulsa, Okla., for its first conference road game. Florida International and South Carolina round out the conference home games for the Herd.
"With the nine home games, we hope to pick up right where we left off with great crowds and a great atmosphere," Gray said. "We look forward to a great fall."
The Herd travels to four different venues for conference action including NCAA tournament member SMU Memphis, UAB, and 2007 C-USA tournament champion, Tulsa.
Marshall ends its 2008 season when it travels to Alabama A&M, Nov. 9.
The 2008 C-USA tournament will be held in Dallas, Texas and will be hosted by SMU, Nov. 12-16. The College Cup is scheduled for Dec. 14-16.
