CONWAY, S.C. – The Coastal Carolina men's soccer team put on a defensive masterclass to record a 0-0 tie versus No. 3 Marshall on Friday at the CCU Soccer Complex.
With the tie, the Chants post a 3-7-2, 1-2-2 Sun Belt record while Marshall moves to 8-1-3, 3-0-2 Sun Belt on the season.
The Chants have now recorded back-to-back shutouts versus ranked opponents after tying with No. 8 James Madison last Saturday.
The Thundering Herd appeared to take an early lead in the second minute of action when Aymane Sordo found the back of the net off a corner set piece. However, the goal was overturned on an offside call to keep the score at 0-0.
After taking three consecutive blocked shots, Marshall finally put a shot on frame in the 29th minute when Takahiro Fujita fired from distance. However, Coastal keeper Harrison Gough palmed the ball away to take care of the danger.
The Chants looked to get on the scoreboard in the 42nd minute on a fast break when Evan Howard knocked the ball onto Loed Klaasen. The sophomore then ripped a shot toward the bottom right corner, but it was met by the outstretched hand of the Marshall keeper to keep the score level at 0-0.
At the end of the first half, Marshall led 8-1 in shots and 4-0 in corner kicks.
In the 54th minute, Marshall had one of its most promising chances of the match when Rai Pinto fired a close-range shot which was met by a huge save by Gough to keep the Herd at bay.
Marshall continued to press the Coastal defense, taking four shots and four corner kicks over the next 15 minutes, but the Chants would not let them break through.
Coastal had an opportunity of its own in the 70th minute when the ball dropped to the feet of Doug Hainer, but he pulled his shot just wide to hold the score at 0-0.
The Thundering Herd went on a relentless attacking spree in the remaining 20 minutes of the match, taking eight shots. However, Gough continued his lights-out match, making four saves including one from point-blank range in the 85th minute to keep the score level.
It looked to be the finish of dreams for the Chanticleers in the 87th minute when Hainer fed the ball to Klaasen on a counter-attacking play. Klaasen then belted a shot towards the bottom left corner, but it was not enough to get past the Marshall keeper to conclude the match at 0-0.
"I am incredibly proud of these guys, they have got so much fight, resilience, and competitiveness," stated head coach Shaun Docking. "It has taken us a few weeks, but we have really come together, and I think we are heading in a good direction. I am very pleased with the commitment of the players, and I can't wait to continue to build on this momentum!"
The Chanticleers will remain at the CCU Soccer Complex to take on Old Dominion on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. ET.
For complete coverage of CCU men's soccer, follow the Chants on social media at @CoastalMSoccer (X), Facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at www.GoCCUsports.com.
