HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA — #5 UCF upset #3 Marshall 3-1 on Sunday, handing the third-ranked Herd their first loss in three games before 3,103 spectators. The Knights, riding a three-game winning streak, broke open a scoreless first half with three unanswered goals after the intermission to secure the victory in Sun Belt Championship play.
The opening 45 minutes produced minimal scoring chances despite both teams generating opportunities. UCF's Frederic Benedix fired a shot high in the eighth minute, while Marshall countered with efforts from Louie Salkeld, Gabriel Stevanato, and Kirill Pakhomov that sailed wide or high. The defensive intensity kept the match deadlocked at halftime, setting the stage for a dramatic second-half reversal.
Frederic Benedix opened the scoring in the 16th minute, assisted by Claudel N'goubou, giving UCF an early advantage that would prove decisive. Lilian Ricol doubled the Knights' lead in the 50th minute with help from N'goubou and Clarence Awoudor, extending UCF's control. Ricol added his second goal in the 64th minute, assisted by Malick Thiaw, to effectively seal the contest at 3-0.
Marshall pulled one back through Carl Romberg in the 72nd minute, but the Herd could not mount a meaningful comeback. The hosts generated 15 shot attempts compared to UCF's nine, yet the Knights' precision proved superior. UCF's goalkeeper made seven saves while Marshall's keeper recorded just one, reflecting the difference in execution when opportunities presented themselves.
The match grew increasingly contentious as it progressed. Marshall accumulated seven yellow cards, including cautions to Kirill Pakhomov, Nikita Pakhomov, Joao Alves, Ryan Holmes, and Carl Romberg. The frustration boiled over in the final moments when Braian Amaro received a red card for spitting at 90 minutes, capping a disciplinary nightmare for the home side.
Claudel N'goubou proved instrumental in UCF's attacking setup, recording assists on two of the Knights' three goals. His involvement in the offensive flow disrupted Marshall's defensive shape throughout the second half. The Knights' ability to convert chances after halftime contrasted sharply with their first-half struggles, demonstrating improved composure and decision-making when it mattered most.
UCF's victory extended their winning streak to three consecutive matches while improving their overall record to 10-6-3. Marshall, despite the loss, maintains an 11-3-5 record but saw their two-game winning streak snapped. The result demonstrated that national rankings provide no guarantee in conference championship competition, where execution and momentum shifts can quickly determine outcomes.
The Knights dominated the second half with superior finishing and defensive organization, holding Marshall to just one goal despite the Herd's territorial advantage. UCF's depth and tactical adjustments after halftime proved decisive in a match that showcased the unpredictability of high-level collegiate soccer.