— By David Walsh
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Utah Valley’s first visit to Huntington proved quite memorable.
The Wolverines scored a goal in each half, and their defense contained Marshall enough to prevail, 2-1, in front of a stunned crowd of 2,076 at Hoops Family Field/Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex.
It marks Utah Valley’s win against a ranked opponent as the Thundering Herd entered the match No. 20.
Adem Arous scored his first career goal, while Landon Christiansen turned in a volley off a Marshall defender and oalkeeper Kolby Sessions recorded five saves.
Utah Valley (4-0-1) remains without a loss, while the Herd (2-1-2) drops from that category.
“It wasn’t pretty, but we’re happy getting the result on the road against a Top 25 team,” Wolverines’ coach Michael Chesler said. “It’s all about preparation for the Big West and NCAA Tournament. I don’t want to take anything away from this. It’s incredible, but it’s prepping us for those moments down the road.”
Marshall’s last home defeat came back in 2023 against Kentucky. Under head coach Chris Grassie, Marshall had lost just 14 times at home in 10 seasons.
Marshall applied more pressure most of the match as it had the edge in shots, 20-9, including 8-3 on goal. The Wolverines had separate goal line clearances from Toke Amtrup and Jeremie Kuelo.
Utah Valley took a 1-0 lead just inside the 11th minute thanks to some sharp passing. Mason Abdella fed the ball to Jose Montealegre, who saw his shot stopped. The rebound came out to Naime Odeh, who sent a cross back into the mix for Arous, who headed it home.
Marshall responded in the 24th minute when Carl Rombert found Joshua Nugent for the equalizer.
The Herd had a chance to lead in the 30th minute, but Romberg had a shot cleared off the line.
Christiansen broke the tie just 20 seconds into the second half. Luca Wingaa Laursen won an aerial duel with the Herd’s Pedro Martins, then shot past two defenders to the end line. Wingaa Laursen saw a cross headed away, but right to Christiansen, whose volley with the left foot found the net.
Sessions made two stops late to preserve the win. He totaled three overall in the final 45 minutes.
Marshall returns to action next Friday at Kentucky in the Sun Belt Conference opener for the Herd.
Utah Valley got its first win against a ranked team away from home in 10 tries. The Wolverines were winless against Top 25 teams in their last 13 matches dating back to 2017 when they won at Akron.
This was Utah Valley’s first meeting against a Sun Belt team.