Sept. 28, 2007

Final Stats

MIAMI, Fla. - Junior forward Kolby LaCrone (Zanesville, Ohio) recorded his sixth goal of the season as the Marshall University men's soccer defeated Florida International, 1-0 in the Conference USA opener, Friday evening.

The Marshall University men's soccer team improved to 6-3-0 overall and 1-0-0 in C-USA action, and improved its winning streak to five. The Panthers fell to 0-7-2 overall and dropped to 0-1-0 in the C-USA.

The Herd's lone goal came in the 12th minute when LaCrone's shot soared past Florida International's Kyle Thomas. Avneet Shergill's (Vancouver, Wash.) direct pass to Jermaine Johnson (Kingston, Jamaica), who sent a pass in through a crowd that was deflected out to LaCrone set-up the Herd victory.

LaCrone, who leads the team with 13 points, has registered at least a goal in the last five games.

Junior transfer goalkeeper Craig Ratanamorn (Wichita, Kan.) tallied his first career shutout after making seven saves. He posts a perfect 4-0 record and has accumulated 19 saves this season.

Ratanamorn received help from fellow defenders Jeff Lenix (Westerville, Ohio) and Brandon Lacko (Westerville, Ohio). The two defensive leaders held the Panther's to only 14 shot attempts with half of them on goal.

The Thundering Herd has not had a five-match winning streak since the 2001 season and have outscored its last five opponents 17-4.

Marshall's C-USA opening victory on the road marks the first time in school history. The Thundering Herd's last conference opening road victory occurred in 2002, when it defeated Western Michigan, 2-0 while playing in the MAC Conference.

The Herd travels to Boca Raton, Fla., to conclude its trip to the sunshine state against Florida Atlantic, Sunday, Sept. 29 with kickoff scheduled at 1 p.m.