Marshall University Athletics
@HerdWSoccer Set for Regular-Season Finale at FIU
10/29/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
MATCH 18: MARSHALL (7-6-4, 4-3-2 C-USA) VS. FIU (8-8-1, 3-4-1 C-USA)
Thursday, Oct. 30 | 7 p.m. ET
Miami | FIU Soccer Stadium (2,000)
Live Stats | Twitter
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall women's soccer (7-6-4, 4-3-2) will play for a spot in the Conference USA Tournament when it completes regular-season action against FIU (8-8-1, 3-4-1) on Thursday at 7 p.m. at FIU Soccer Stadium. With a win, the Thundering Herd will qualify for the postseason. With a loss or tie, Marshall's fate will depend on outcomes of other league matches.
In addition to live tweets from @HerdWSoccer, live coverage will be available through the FIU Athletics website, FIUSports.com.
HAVE YOU HERD?
Although Kristine Culicerto (Charlotte, N.C.) gave Marshall an early 1-0 advantage, Louisiana Tech scored back-to-back goals in the second half to defeat the Thundering Herd, 2-1, on Sunday at Lady Techster Soccer Complex. The Herd led in shots (10-9) and each team had three corner kicks and made four saves.
WHAT'S ON THE LINE
With a win at FIU on Thursday, the Herd will receive a bid to the Conference USA Tournament at Transamerica Field in Charlotte, N.C., beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 5. However, the match is not a must-win scenario. With a loss or tie, Marshall's fate depends on outcomes of other league games. The top eight teams in the conference advance to the postseason, and Marshall sits in fifth place going into the final weekend.
KELLY WEARS KELLY GREEN
Marshall is a perfect 5-0-0 when midfielder Kelly Culicerto (Charlotte, N.C.) finds the net this season. She is 15th in the nation (tied for first in Conference USA) with five game-winning goals, and her five game-winners are the most in a Herd season since Erika Duncan (now a Marshall assistant coach) had five in 2009. Kelly and older sister Kristine lead Marshall with 17 points each, both on eight goals and one assist.
SISTER ACT
The Thundering Herd offense is led by a pair of Marshall Legacies - Kristine Culicerto (Charlotte, N.C.) and Kelly Culicerto (Charlotte, N.C.). The Culicertos top team statistics tied in points (17) and goals (eight) and have each made one assist. Kristine, a senior forward, boasts a team-high shot percentage of .222 while Kelly, a junior midfielder, leads the team in shots (65), shots on goal (30) and game-winning goals (five).
Kristine and Kelly are the daughters of Danny and Kathy Culicerto. Both are former Herd athletes -- Danny played baseball, Kathy ran track. The ladies' older brother, Pete, played football for Marshall from 2006-10.
LET'S GET SOCIAL
Keep up with the latest news about Herd soccer by liking the team's official Facebook page: Marshall University Soccer. For live in-match updates and news, follow @HerdWSoccer on Twitter. Want to see photos and behind-the-scenes action? Give @HerdZone a follow on Instagram.
SCOUTING THE GOLDEN PANTHERS
Including the Thursday match against the Thundering Herd, FIU (8-8-1, 3-4-1) has two matches remaining in its regular season, with the second at UAB on Saturday. With two wins, the Golden Panthers would advance to the Conference USA Tournament. FIU ranks last in the league with 51 saves, and is next-to-last with 202 shots. Chelsea Leiva is tied for first in C-USA with five game-winning goals, and leads the Golden Panthers with 19 points (eight goals, three assists).
Marshall is 1-0-0 against FIU, winning the teams' first meeting last season, 1-0, to advance to the 2013 Conference USA Tournament (Oct. 31, 2013).
UP NEXT
With a win against FIU, the Herd will automatically advance to the postseason. With a loss or tie, Marshall's fate depends upon outcomes of other league matches. The C-USA Tournament begins Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Transamerica Field in Charlotte, N.C. For all the latest information about Marshall women's soccer, follow @HerdWSoccer on Twitter.
---HerdZone.com---
