Listen Now: Morning News

Marshall squanders two-goal lead, falls to Virginia Tech

— By David Walsh

HARRISONBURG, Va. — No. 15 Virginia Tech played inspired soccer in the second half against top-ranked Marshall on Sunday, and the Hokies rallied to defeat the Thundering Herd 3-2.

It was the final match of the Fairfield by Marriott Invitational hosted by James Madison at Sentara Park.

Marshall (1-1) took a 2-0 lead at halftime on goals by Vitor Dias (9’) and Vinicius Fernandes (18’) off a scramble in the box.

For Davis, it was his third goal of the season.

The Hokies (1-0-1) began the comeback when Sivert Haugli, a senior from Norway, scoed at 63:37 off a corner kick by Danny Flores.

The Atlantic Coast Conference member then got the game-tying goal and winning goal on penalty kicks.

Haugli tied it at 65:19 after the Herd got called for a handball in the box and Nick Blacklock notched the eventual game-winner at 72:26. On Blacklock’s goal, the Herd’s Max Schneider received a yellow card.

The Hokies maintained the advantage the rest of the way.

“Our guys did great today,” Herd head coach Chris Grassie said in a university release. “We played well. We had a bad spell late.”

Virginia Tech registered five shots on goal and Marshall four. Hokies keeper Ben Martino, in his first start, stopped five shots and Herd keeper Oliver Semmle made four saves.

When the final whistle blew, the Hokies stormed the field to celebrate their first win against a No. 1 team since September 22, 2017 against Notre Dame.

This was the first meeting between the two teams since 2002. Virginia Tech has now won five straight over the Herd and leads the all-time series 13-3.

Marshall, preseason favorite to win Conference USA, returns to the pitch on Saturday against preseason No. 25 and new C-USA member Coastal Carolina at Hoops Family Field. The match will start at 1 p.m.





More Marshall Sports

Marshall Sports
Integrating new players, coaches a focus for Herd at start of spring practice
Head coach Charles Huff says learning who his team is a critical component of spring football.
March 28, 2024 - 8:47 am
Marshall Sports
Commentary: Final 40 minutes don't tell the story of Marshall's season
The Herd lost by 43 points in its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 27 years, but a 26-7 campaign could help be a springboard for future success.
March 26, 2024 - 4:15 pm
Marshall Sports
Jackson replaces D'Antoni as Marshall basketball coach
Dan D'Antoni is out after a 10-year stint guiding the Marshall men's basketball program. Cornelius Jackson, former associate head coach and a native of Oak Hill, takes over.
March 25, 2024 - 8:25 pm
Marshall Sports
Six home games, trips to Virginia Tech and Ohio State highlight Herd's 2024 schedule
Marshall opens the season August 31 by welcoming Stony Brook.
March 25, 2024 - 2:35 pm