Marshall University's men's soccer team made headlines on December 13, 2024, by defeating top-seeded Ohio State University 1-0, securing their place in the Men's College Cup Final.
The match, hosted at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, was marked by relentless action and dramatic moments. Both teams entered the game with high stakes, but it was Marshall's Tarik Pannholzer who quickly set the tone by scoring just seven minutes after the kickoff. This early goal came off a brilliant long ball from goalkeeper Aleksa Janjic, who expertly predicted the momentum shift after Ohio State nearly took the lead seconds earlier.
On this pivotal play, Janjic’s accurate long pass found Pannholzer, who calmly navigated the defenders and rounded the Buckeye goalkeeper to put Marshall on the scoreboard. This goal was not only pivotal but it was also Pannholzer's second of the season, both scored during the NCAA tournament.
Despite being put on the back foot early, Ohio State rallied for the remainder of the match, demonstrating their offensive prowess by launching 20 shots at the Marshall goal. The Buckeyes’ attempts, led by standout players such as senior forward Michael Adedokun and others, generated significant pressure throughout the match. Yet, only five of those shots managed to find their target, thanks largely to Janjic’s stellar performance, which included five key saves.
Janjić’s ability to anticipate plays was highlighted when he made a spectacular stop against Ohio State's best chance, thwarting the Buckeyes' efforts to equalize. His composure under pressure fortified Marshall’s defense, which held firm against waves of Buckeye attacks.
The second half saw Ohio State continuing to press, determined to find the equalizer, but Marshall’s organized defense and strategic plays limited their opportunities. With each passing minute, as the Buckeyes increased their efforts to score, the tension on the field grew. The game progressed with each team battling for control, but Marshall’s defense skillfully absorbed the pressure.
With the match clock winding down, Ohio State remained persistent, pushing to break through Marshall’s backline. They maintained more possession within the Herd's half, but the combination of Janjic’s goalkeeping and Marshall’s disciplined defense kept the Buckeyes at bay.
At the final whistle, the excitement erupted from the Marshall bench as the players celebrated their hard-fought victory. This victory not only puts Marshall on the path to the NCAA championship but also allows them to reiterate their standing as formidable competitors. They’ve proven their mettle by eliminating the top-seeded team, setting the stage for Marshall's second trip to the Men's College Cup final since their victory back in 2020.
Marshall’s head coach Chris Grassie, who is on the verge of reaching 200 career wins, has built this team through resilience and strong tactical awareness, which were evident throughout the match. His team earned five All-Southeast Region honors this season, showcasing their depth and talent.
Looking forward, the Thundering Herd will face Vermont, who advanced after outlasting Denver in penalty kicks, for the national title on December 16, 2024. This finals matchup promises to be another exciting contest as both teams battle not just for the trophy but to cement their legacy within college soccer.
Fans eager to watch the championship can catch the showdown live on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. ET, as anticipation builds for what could be another momentous chapter for Marshall University's storied soccer program.
