Marshall University Athletics
Women's Soccer Hosts the Best Western Huntington Mall Invitataional
9/2/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 2, 2010
HUNTINGTON, W.Va .- The Marshall University women's soccer team returns to Huntington for its season home opener as it hosts the Best Western Huntington Mall Invitational on Friday, Sept.3 -Sunday, Sept. 5 at Sam Hood Field.
Radford, Iona and Appalachian State will join the Herd in the weekend tournament. Iona will open the tournament Friday against Appalachian State. Kickoff set 3 p.m. Marshall hosts Radford with a 5:30 p.m. scheduled start.
The Thundering Herd enters the weekend at 0-1-2, after tying both games at the Winthrop Invitational. Angela DeSumma (Doylestown, Pa.) and Sarah Vinson (Amelia, Ohio) each received All-Tournament honors. DeSumma (32 points) tallied an assist and her second goal of the season to pass Erin Steinke (31 points) on Marshall's all-time points list.
The combined effort of goalkeepers Lindsey Kerns (Hurricane, W.Va.) and Caroline Harwell (Mooresville, N.C.) has put Marshall in a tie for first in Conference USA in saves (17). However, the Herd looks to its defense to bring back its stingy swagger that earned them nine shutouts a year ago.
"Last year was a very special and unique year and we're not holding ourselves accountable for that year. This year is different, we have different personnel," MU head coach Kevin Long said. "Our ultimate goal of getting into the Conference tournament and competing for a Conference Championship is still there. Nothing that we've done to this point in the season has altered our opportunity for success with that goal."
Match One- Iona vs. Appalachian State
Iona travels to Huntington fresh off a 1-0 loss to Albany on Wednesday night. The Gaels fell for the fourth time in five matches. Abby Dixon notched the only Iona goal of the season, leading the Gaels to a 1-0 victory against Stony Brook. Goalkeepers Trista Rivera and Jacquelyn Gates have combined for 33 saves through five contests but have been unable to compensate Iona being outshot 109-38.
Appalachian State, who also took part in the Winthrop Invitational last weekend, sits at .500 on the season. The Mountaineers earned a second place finish as it beat Winthrop, 2-1 in the final match of the weekend. Hannah Coad, Katy Dodd and Taylor Dunlap earned All-tournament honors.
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
Match Two-Marshall vs. Radford
Last season the Herd tied the all-time series up at 1-1-1 with a 2-0 victory against Radford. Molly Snead (Cincinnati. Ohio) registered the game-winner just 1:43 into the second half, while Vinson added insurance with her first collegiate goal.
MU tallied two second half goals on Friday to earn a 2-2 tie against Winthrop. Vinson and Megan Tabler (Ashland, Ky.) notched their first goals of the season. On Sunday, the Thundering Herd was able to come back from another two goal deficit, scoring three consecutive goals to gain the 3-3 tie against Liberty.
Radford takes the field as the only team in the tournament with a winning record in 2010. The Highlanders stand at 2-0 after victories against Southern Virginia and Francis Marion. Sahar Aflaki notched three goals and an assist, while teammate Julie Ruh'e earned two goals and an assist, in a convincing 8-0 win verse Southern Virginia.
GameTracker will be accessible for all the tournament matches over the weekend, as well as stats and recaps available at the Best Western Huntington Mall Invitational Tournament Central at http://herdzone.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/best-western-2010.html.
All matches will be broadcasted by WMUL and can be heard online at www.marshall.edu/WMUL. Games involving Marshall will be also be broadcasted live on WMUL 88.1.
A reminder to fans, admission will be charged for the tournament, as well as all home games this season. Adults are $5 and youth (under 13) are $3. Any tickets purchased for the tournament will allow you access to both games schedule for that day.
Season tickets are available at the gate for $25 (adults) and $10 (youth). Olympic Fall Sports Passes can be purchased, $65 for adults and $25 for youths. Groups above 20 fans can obtain a $2 group rate by calling the MU ticket office one day in advance at 1-800-THE HERD.
All students are free with a valid Marshall Student ID.
Game video will be available on HerdZone.com for fans following the tournament.
