— By David Walsh
The Marshall University men’s soccer team saw its memorable 2019 run end Sunday in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
Ethan Bartlow’s goal just before halftime broke a 1-1 tie and No. 6 seed University of Washington went on to defeat the Thundering Herd, 4-1, at Husky Soccer Stadium.
Washington (17-3-0) advances to the quarterfinal round scheduled next Saturday or Sunday at No. 3 Georgetown, which beat Louisville, 5-1, earlier Sunday. The Herd, seeded No. 11, finishes its best season in program history 16-3-3.
This was Marshall’s first NCAA appearance in program history.
Blake Bodily, the Pac 12 Player of the Year, put Washington ahead with his 12th goal of the season at 7:04. It was his team-leading 12th goal.
Marshall tied the match when Jamil Roberts scored on a penalty kick at 23:04.
Bartlow’s goal at 42:05 broke the tie and started the Huskies on their way to victory. Gio Miglietti struck at 45:45 and Bartlow got the final goal at 72:12 on a penalty kick as the Herd saw its win streak end at six.
Washington, the Pac-12 title winner, is in the NCAA Tournament for the 26th time in program history. The Huskies are now 2-2-1 all-time in third-round matches.
Marshall played the match without head coach Chris Grassie and midfielder Petro Dolabella. Grassie got suspended eight games for an administrative error on card accumulation by the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Soccer Rules Committee. Dolabella had to miss at least four games or the remainder of the season — whichever is longer between the two — meaning he’ll sit the first two games next season.
Washington, led by Pac-12 Coach of the Year Jamie Clark, applied the pressure throughout the match. The Huskies enjoyed a 23-6 advantage in shots and 13-2 margin in shots on goal. Marshall goalkeeper Paulo Pita made nine saves to just two for Washington keeper Sam Fowler, a freshman.
Washington, at one point ranked No. 1 nationally this season, is 9-2 at Husky Stadium and has outscored opponents, 28-5. The Huskies are now 16-1 when scoring first.
Marshall won the Conference USA regular-season title and conference tournament. Redshirt freshman Milo Yosef led the team in goals with 12, but had just two in his last eight matches. Roberts followed with seven goals.
Washington is 2-0 all-time against the Herd. The first win came in 2006.
Scoring Summary
Marshall 1 0 — 1
Washington 2 2 — 4
W1, Blake Bodily (John Mangus, Lucas Meek), 7:04.
M1, Jamil Roberts (PK), 23:04.
W2, Ethan Bartlow (Joey Parrish), 42:05.
W3, Gio Miglietti (Christian Soto), 45:45.
W4, Ethan Bartlow (PK), 72:12.