Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
North Texas
@HerdWSoccer Falls in C-USA Championship Match, 1-0
11/8/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
MIAMI - Marshall's first appearance in the Conference USA Women's Soccer Championship match ended in heartbreak as the Thundering Herd fell, 1-0, to top-seeded North Texas on Sunday afternoon at FIU Soccer Stadium.
Marshall fell to 15-4-3 on the year and needs an at-large bid to enter the 2015 NCAA Tournament, announced at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. As champions, the Mean Green (19-3-1) earned an automatic bid to the tournament.
"I can't begin to express how extremely proud I am of this team and the effort they put forth every single day," C-USA co-Coach of the Year Kevin Long said. "North Texas is a team that has demonstrated all season why they were the No. 1 seed and continued to do so in the finals. In the end, UNT made it very hard to get through their back line and when we did, their keeper was right there every time. I can't wipe away the sting this loss carries with it. When it passes, there is an awful lot for this Thundering Herd team to be proud of."
The Mean Green secured an early advantage as Amber Haggerty picked up her own rebound in the 16th minute and sent it over the goal line for the 1-0 lead. North Texas held off the Herd's attack all the way into halftime and held a 12-4 lead in shots.
Marshall quickened its pace to start the second half, with shots on goal by junior forward Sydney Arnold (Stafford, Va.) and senior midfielder Kelly Culicerto (Charlotte, N.C.). Mean Green keeper Jackie Kerestine held her composure, making two saves. Looking for an equalizer, the Herd out-shot the Mean Green in the second half, 5-4, but could not reach the scoreboard.
Arnold, Culicerto and senior midfielder Erin Simmons (Gahanna, Ohio) each earned a spot on the C-USA All-Tournament team for their postseason performances.
C-USA WOMEN'S SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Rachel Holden, North Texas - Offensive MVP
Jackie Kerestine, North Texas - Defensive MVP
Tess Graham, North Texas
Amber Haggerty, North Texas
Sydney Arnold, Marshall
Kelly Culicerto, Marshall
Erin Simmons, Marshall
Tori Hawkins, Middle Tennessee
Emily Jorgenson, Middle Tennessee
Iris Achterhof, Old Dominion
Grace Haverly, Old Dominion
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The Herd needs an at-large bid to enter the 64-team NCAA tournament, released Monday at 4:30 p.m. For all the latest information about Marshall women's soccer, follow @HerdWSoccer on Twitter.
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