Marshall University Athletics
MCGILL: Senior centerbacks continue remarkable journeys in Sweet 16
12/1/2019 1:37:00 AM | Men's Soccer, Word on the Herd
Osmanu, Diaz-Salcedo help lead Marshall into matchup at Washington
By Chuck McGill
HerdZone.com
SEATTLE – From the Jewel City to the Emerald City, the Marshall men's soccer team continues its historic journey here Sunday.
There are myriad reasons behind the Thundering Herd's unprecedented success this season – a campaign that has included a double conference championship, the program's highest national ranking ever and its first berth (and win) in the NCAA Tournament.
Two of the players key to Marshall's run are on spectacular journeys of their own: Illal Osmanu and Carlos Diaz-Salcedo. Osmanu and Diaz-Salcedo, along with Conference USA Co-Golden Glove keeper Paulo Pita, form a fearsome line of defense.
"How brilliant they've both been for us this year," Marshall coach Chris Grassie said of Osmanu and Diaz-Salcedo, his centerbacks. "That triangle of seniors, with Paulo as well, have been outstanding."
Marshall (16-2-3) can add to its resume Sunday at Husky Soccer Stadium, where the 11th-seeded Herd, now one of the final 14 teams competing for a national championship, play at sixth-seeded Washington (16-3-0) at 8 p.m. Eastern.
For Osmanu and Diaz-Salcedo, they're playing for their collegiate lives. Neither are ready for the road to end here, approximately 2,500 miles from home.
"I feel like there's no better way to end my senior year," Diaz-Salcedo said, referring to Marshall's current six-game winning streak. "To bring to Huntington two championships and have the opportunity to go really far in the NCAA. I always tell Illal: this is the best senior year we could ever dream for."
Diaz-Salcedo, who is from Barcelona, Spain, holds the distinction of being the only remaining player on the roster recruited to Marshall by Grassie's predecessor, Bob Gray.
After his freshman season, Diaz-Salcedo faced the uncertainty of a coaching change, and recalled entering the holiday break between semesters wondering about the future of the MU men's soccer program. When he returned, Grassie had been hired.
"Since my freshman year, things have changed a lot," Diaz-Salcedo said. "It took a couple years for great things to come, but you can see a big change."
He saw action in 11 games – for a total of 521 minutes – as a freshman. He has played in 56 of 60 games in the past three seasons.
"When I came as a freshman, I would say, both ways, physically and mentally, I have improved," Diaz-Salcedo said. "I was playing against bigger guys and faster guys. I felt like my development has gotten better."
Most of the time, Diaz-Salcedo has been able to look over and see Osmanu.
"Playing next to Illal is wonderful," he said. "He's a machine, right?"
Osmanu didn't arrive in the United States built like he is today. The native of Accra, Ghana, started playing soccer at the age of 6, but didn't own a pair of shoes until he was 10, a purchase made by his father.
"It's been a long ride from not wearing shoes to wearing a green Nike and playing in the Sweet 16," Osmanu said.
Osmanu initially joined Grassie at the University of Charleston, but eventually followed his head coach in the move to Huntington. Osmanu logged the second-most minutes on the team as a sophomore, became a third team All-Conference USA team selection last season and then landed on the first team as a senior.
"A lot has changed, both physically and mentally," Osmanu said. "Coming from Ghana, I had talent but didn't know much about the game. Four years with Coach Grassie and I've improved my knowledge of the game."
Osmanu has a loyal following in Ghana. He and his family talk every Sunday so he can provide updates on his life and his team's success. He sends them pictures, and they comment about how he has changed physically.
"Most of the people in Ghana follow me," Osmanu said. "Some of my teammates make fun of me because sometimes they see people commenting on my posts on Instagram and Facebook. 'Oh, bro, you are big time at home.'"
Osmanu said he wanted to come to the United States to receive an education and prepare himself for a professional soccer career. The college degree, he admitted, is important to his mother.
He has certainly learned and experienced a lot here, and he hopes Sunday is not the end of the journey.
"For so many people, this is a historic season," Osmanu said. "To be fair with you, I saw it coming. I've been with Grassie. I know what he wants to do for this program. Our seasons didn't work out in 2017 and 2018, but I saw progress. I knew eventually he'd be successful because I've been with him and he does things the right way.
"This has been a fun ride. I couldn't have asked for a better senior season. Everything is our first time, getting to the NCAA, getting our first win and double champs. We've had an amazing season so far. I hope it doesn't end."
Chuck McGill is the Assistant Athletic Director for Fan/Donor Engagement and Communications at Marshall University and a seven-time winner of the National Sports Media Association West Virginia Sportswriter of the Year award. In addition to HerdZone.com's Word on the Herd, McGill is the editor of Thundering Herd Illustrated, Marshall's official athletics publication. Follow him on Twitter (@chuckmcgill) and Instagram (wordontheherd).
