Marshall women’s soccer opens 2026 season with 3-1 victory
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Women’s Soccer is off and running with a 3-1 win over Morehead State in both sides’ season opener Thursday evening at Hoops Family Field.
Sophomore midfielder Luana Gusmao scored a first half brace with both assists coming from junior forward Delfina Lombardi.
Gusmao’s goals in the 28th and 36th minutes gave MU a two-goal advantage it would not relinquish.
Lombardi – the Herd’s transfer from Argentina – scored a goal of her own in the 43rd minute, less than a minute of game-play after MSU pulled a goal back off a corner.
Junior goalkeeper Emma Durand earned the win in goal, making two saves, including a crucial penalty kick save in the 70th minute to keep the scoreline at 3-1. Her PK save is Marshall’s first since October 8, 2021.
“I followed my instinct and I told my teammates to follow the second ball,” said Durand. “I saved it and my teammates did a good job of clearing the ball after. I am so happy because if the game was 3-2 it would be a different game.”
Durand also found the scoresheet with an assist. Her long clearance and a flicked-on header by graduate senior Bailey Fisher led to the Herd’s third goal. Fisher was one of four field players to play the full 90 minutes for Marshall in the opener.
“I am very grateful because I didn’t know if I was going to be playing this season so it’s great to be back, and great to get a win,” said Fisher.
For the full postgame with Durand and Fisher, view HERE.
Marshall continues its season Sunday at home against Ohio. Kick is at 7 p.m.
To donate to the Championship Fund for Marshall women’s soccer, please click HERE. All proceeds go directly to the Marshall women’s soccer team.
For all the latest information about Marshall women’s soccer, follow @herdwsoccer on Twitter and Instagram.
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—HerdZone.com—
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