BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State University men's soccer (3-5-2, 0-0 SBC) opens Sun Belt action on Saturday against Howard (1-10, 0-0 SBC) on the road at 7 p.m. at Greene Stadium.
@AppSateMSoccer at @HowardMSOC | Saturday, Oct. 7, | 7 p.m. | Washington, D.C. | Greene Stadium.
About the Mountaineers
Appalachian is coming off a 0-0 tie against a formidable High Point squad that did score three goals in the outing before playing in the High Country. Appalachian earned its second shutout of the season thanks to a stingy defense and superb goalkeeping.
Stingy Defense
The Mountaineer defense has clamped down recently allowing just two goals in the past four matches with two shutouts. In a previous four-match stretch, App had allowed three goals including a season-hgh three goals to then-No. 4 Wake Forest. Appalachian has allowed one or zero seven in eight of 10 matches, and it's 12 goals allowed ranks third in the Sun Belt behind Georgia State (9) and Georgia Southern (10).
In the Sun Belt
The Mountaineers are 4-8-3 all-time in their first three years in the Sun Belt while Hartwick edged the Black and Gold in the first round last season, 2-1. Appalachian is 1-1-1 in Sun Belt openers with lone win coming against Howard.
Scouting Howard
Howard is on a three-game skid going into Saturday's match after picking up its first win in a 2-1 triumph over Virginia Military Institute. Five different student-athletes have a goal while Victor Guirma has two assists, equaling a team-high four points. The Bison have allowed 27 goals this season, which is the most in the league action, which could give App a chance to get the offense going after mustering up just one score in the last four contests.
Series History
Appalachian is 2-1-1 all-time against Howard and have won the last two matches that have come via shutouts in a pair of 2-0 wins.
What's Next
The Black and Gold return to non-conference action on Tuesday against UNC Asheville, which will start a string of three-straight home matches.
