FIU outshot Marshall 14-8 but again failed to score as the Golden Panthers (0-7-2; 0-1-0) fell 1-0 against the Thundering Herd (6-3-0; 1-0-0).
In what was the Conference USA opener for both squads, both goalkeepers played an outstanding game. Kyle Thomas (Jensen Beach, Fla.) recorded five saves, several of which in highlight fashion.
Marshall got off to a good start when in the 12th minute, a scramble a few feet in front of the net allowed Kolby LaCrone to get free and fire in his sixth goal of the year for a 1-0 Marshall lead.
FIU had several attempts to equalize as Steven Jair Cabas (Miami, Fla.) and Christian Caporaletti (Miami, Fla.) had four and three shots respectively. However, the Thundering Herd keeper Craig Ratanamorn was up to the task, registering four saves in the first half.
The first half would come to a close with FIU trailing 1-0.
In the 70th minute, FIU came close to equalizing when Juan Guerra (Caracas, Venezuela) unleashed a shot from just outside the penalty area, but once again, Ratanamorn was there to end the Golden Panther threat.
Steven Cabas would threaten again, when Levi Coleman (Broken Arrow, Okla.) found him deep in the penalty area, but Cabas' header would sail wide keeping the score 1-0.
FIU's final chance would come in the 87th minute when a Marshall foul set up a free kick for the Golden Panthers. Juan Guerra would take the kick and fire on goal, but the shot would be turned away by Ratanamorn.
FIU's defense again played an outstanding game, led by Brian Haisley (Miami, Fla.) who made several key stops.
The Golden Panthers played a strong game, but weren't able to get past the Marshall keeper.
“Unfortunately that has been the story of the season,” said a dejected Munga Eketebi. “We just can't score goals. Unfortunately, there are no points for looking good. There are no points for defending well.”
The loss marks the fourth time this season FIU has lost 1-0, and the sixth time the offense has failed to score (The goal against Michigan was an own goal).
The Golden Panthers return to action on Sunday, October 7 as they host South Carolina at 1 pm.
