Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
4-2-0, 0-0-0
WVU
5-2-0, 0-0-0
Herd Battles in Home Defeat Against West Virginia
9/11/2025 9:46:00 PM | Women's Soccer
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall (4-2) suffered a 2-0 loss to in-state rival West Virginia on Thursday night before 1,261 fans, as the visiting Mountaineers scored in each half to hand the Herd its first home defeat of the season. The game was the first time MU welcomed WVU in a regular season game since 1999.
The contest remained scoreless until the 39th minute, when West Virginia broke through with a shot off the corner, shifting the momentum late in the first half. Marshall struggled to mount an offensive response, finishing with just three shots and none on goal.
Sophomore goalkeeper Emma Durand made three saves to keep the deficit manageable, while senior defender Kajsa Ekstrom continued her streak of playing every minute this season. West Virginia doubled its lead in the 88th minute, sealing the result.
The Herd was limited to sporadic forays forward, with Hurricane native Bailey Fisher among the few to register a shot, and Marshall was flagged offside three times in attempts to break behind the West Virginia back line. Marshall committed seven fouls compared to West Virginia's four, reflecting the increased defensive pressure as the match unfolded. The visitors outshot the Herd 12-3 overall and 8-1 after halftime.
Marshall had not been shut out this season, entering the match averaging three goals per game and matching last year's season goal total in just five outings. Despite the setback, the Herd shifts forward to Sun Belt Conference play.
UP NEXT
Marshall starts SBC play as it travels to Georgia Southern on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m.
Team Stats
Maya Leoni (1)
GOAL by WVU Leoni, Maya.
38:48
Ajanae Respass (1)
GOAL by WVU Respass, Ajanae.
87:44
