A goal in the first ten minutes was all Marshall needed to defeat Ohio State and reach the College Cup final for the second time in program history. Goalkeeper Aleksa Janjic set up the goal with a brilliant long ball that was finished by Tarik Pannholzer. 

What a way to start in Cary! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/vV5YFS6nXY

— Marshall University Men's Soccer (@HerdMSoccer) December 14, 2024

In an example of the cruelty of soccer, the Buckeyes nearly took the lead just seconds before the Marshall strike, with freshman striker David Ajagbe rising highest for a header that crashed off the crossbar. On the ensuing dead ball, Janjic took advantage of a relaxed Ohio State backline by playing a pinpoint pass from his 18 for Pannholzer to latch onto before rounding the goal keeper and roll the ball into an empty net.

From that point on, it was all Ohio State, generating numerous quality chances to end the half, but none that could find the back of the net. The second half was more of the same with the likes of Michael Adedokun, Luciano Pechota, Deylen Vellios, and Ajage crafting looks only to be blocked by a feverish Marshall defense.

In all, the Big Ten champions outshot Marshall 20 to 8 but could not find the all important equalizer. Marshall will now play for their second national title in four years when it takes on debutant Vermont on Monday evening.

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