Marshall University Athletics
@HerdMSoccer Tames The Tigers
8/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Marshall men's soccer team won its second game of preseason Thursday, defeating Salem International by a score of 2-0 at Hoops Family Field at Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex.
AGAINST THE TIGERS
Neither team was able to establish itself in the early stages of the match. As the first half continued, Marshall found itself with better scoring opportunities.
The Herd's first shot on goal was the first goal of the match. Marshall won a corner kick, which senior Jack Hopkins (Birmingham, Ala.) kicked to the far post. Senior Nick Edginton (Wellington, New Zealand) was able to head the ball past the Tigers goalkeeper and into the back of the net to make the score 1-0.
Marshall would add to its lead in the 43rd minute. Junior transfer Rimario Gordon (Kingston, Jamaica) drove hard into the right side of the Tigers box and was brought down, earning a penalty kick. Senior midfielder Ryan Forde (London, England) calmly stepped up and slotted home the ball to make the score 2-0 Herd at the half.
The score would stay at 2-0 for the remainder of the contest. The Tigers were able to connect with two shots on goal, but senior goalkeeper Bijan Gloston (Clarksville, Tenn.) was able to make the save.
THE GRAY AREA
Coach Bob Gray on the Match:
"I just thought it was a lackluster performance by us to be honest with you and that's taking nothing away from Salem, because they weren't a bad side. We just weren't clicking on all cylinders like we did against High Point and I don't know if we've just got tired legs after two-a-days. We don't want to sit here and make excuses, but the bottom line is that the guys we normally count on were not up to task today."
"It was encouraging there the last 10 or 15 minutes when we put some other guys on and they did well. That's what we've got to do is beat our toughest opponents when we play against each other and we've got a tough game Sunday against University of Charleston. They will be one of the toughest teams we play all year and that's why we schedule these exhibitions."
LET'S GET SOCIAL
Stay up to date with Marshall men's soccer and receive the latest news, stats and photos. Follow the Thundering Herd on Twitter @HerdMSoccer. You can also like our Facebook page, Marshall University Soccer.
NEXT UP:
On Sunday, Aug. 23, the Herd will take on Charleston at 5 p.m. to round out its exhibition schedule. The regular season will start on Friday, Aug. 28 at Western Michigan.
---Herdzone.com---
