BOONE, N.C.- Appalachian State University women's soccer posted a valiant effort Sunday afternoon at the ASU Soccer Stadium and was able to come away with a win in a very physical match, as the Apps defeated Chattanooga 2-1. With the victory, ASU improves to 7-8-2 overall and 3-6-1 in the SoCon, while the Mocs drop to 5-13-1 and 2-8 in the conference.
Chattanooga came out strong in the early minutes of the first half as the Mocs were able to earn an early corner, but the ASU defense was able to prevail to keep the match scoreless. Junior Stephanie Balzano responded to Chattanooga's early attack as she took a solid shot on goal, testing goalkeeper Allie Preston early.
Just seven minutes into the match, freshman Katy Dodd was able to get the Mountaineers on the board, as she hit the ball in the back of the net off a cross from Caroline Lowe. The goal was Dodd's first of the season along with being the first goal scored at the ASU Soccer Stadium, and was also the quickest ASU has been able to score all season.
Appalachian continued its offensive attack as Jordan Horvath had a good chance to score in the 26th minute but Preston was able to make an impressive save. Both Casey Cleary and Emily Moseley took solid shots on goal in the late minutes of the first half, but the Apps were not able to convert them into goals.
ASU took the 1-0 advantage into the break.
Early in the second half, the Mocs were able to capitalize on their offensive opportunities as Morgan Shelton launched a shot from outside the 18 yard box off a pass from DK Henry, hitting the right corner of the back of the net, tying the match at 1-1.
The two squads battled for the remainder of the second half, but Appalachian was able to prevail as Balzano launched a hard shot from the top of the 18 off a pass from Paige Morrow with 11 minutes remaining in the match. The ball sailed above the goalkeepers head and put the Mountaineers up 2-1.
The Black and Gold were able to hold off UTC for the 2-1 win.
Offensivley, Cleary and Dodd paced ASU with four shots each, while Henry, Shelton and Marlee Jenkins each recorded two shots for the Mocs. Appalachian outshot UTC 15 to 8, and earned six corner kicks compared to the Moc's two.
In goal, Caroline Clarke played all 90 minutes, making five saves, while Preston also played the entire match, making eight stops.
Appalachian returns to action for its final home and regular season match of the 2008 season on Thursday October 30, as ASU hosts SoCon rival Western Carolina at 7 p.m. at the ASU Soccer Stadium.
