MOREHEAD, Ky. – Morehead State soccer senior Hannah Carter scored her first career goal, but the Eagles ultimately fell to Marshall, 3-1, at Hoops Family Field in Huntington, W.Va., to open up the 2026 season.

"The game is a game of moments, and the moments didn't go with us tonight", Morehead State Head Coach Paul Cox said. "But I am extremely proud of the work, heart and effort from every play and everyone who played. It's something to build on, and something we can grow on."

Marshall opened up the scoring quickly to start the game, scoring two early goals on only six initial shots. 

Marshall sophomore Luana Gusmao scored the 'Herd's first goal of the season in the 27th minute, heading it into the top of the goal, thanks to assists from Delfina Lombardi and Marta Garcia. 

Marshall's first goal stopped MSU's shutout streak at 216 minutes and nine seconds, dating back into the 2025 season.

Gusmao followed up her goal with another goal, just more than seven minutes later, this time sneaking it right past Eagle sophomore goalkeeper Allie Lammers to give Marshall an early 2-0 lead. Gusmao's second goal was assisted by Lombardi, and Geovanna Souza. 

The Eagles bounced back rather quickly, scoring less than seven minutes after Gusmao's second goal on Carter's first career goal. Carter knocked in a header into the right corner of the goal from about six yards out, thanks to a corner kick by sophomore Charlotte Lee. Lee was credited with an assist, and the Eagles were back within one, trailing 2-1. 

A high scoring first half continued, as not even a minute later, Lombardi connected on another goal, propelling Marshall to a 3-1 lead. Lombardi's goal in the 42nd minute was assisted by Bailey Fisher and Emma Durand.

The second period began with Marshall maintaining the pressure early, with Gusmao taking a shot in the 50th minute that went over the top. Senior Molly Tapak delivered an absolute strike that just missed, bouncing off the top of the crossbar. 

Following Tapak's near miss, sophomore Olivia Lowe had a crucial opportunity to narrow the gap in the 69th minute with a penalty kick, but it was saved by Durand. 

Morehead State continued to press with multiple corner kicks and shots, including an attempt by sophomore Addison Petry in the 71st minute that was off target.

MSU's defense stood the test in the second half, holding the Thundering Herd to just five shots, none of which were on target. Despite persistent attacks, Morehead State was unable to alter the scoreline.

The Thundering Herd outshot the Eagles 12-8, but MSU heavily led in corner kicks, 8-3. 

"I don't think the score reflects how even the game was", Cox continued. "They scored three goals, and all three of them were preventable. We let them score three minutes later following our goal which is really disappointing. We adjusted our shape in the second half, and I feel as if we were the better team in the second half. We took the game to them. Their keeper made a great save, and I think if we score that goal, it would obviously be 3-2, and we probably finish that game 3-3."

Soccer will be back in action this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET for its home opener against Brescia (Ky.).

Sunday's match will be New Student Day. Fans and students can come celebrate Move-In Weekend with a fun-filled game day experience. 

Many exciting game-day activities are set for the home matches this season. For more information, click on the PROMOTIONS page.