BOONE, N.C. - ASU junior David Dodge capitalized on a prime
opportunity to net the game's only goal, as Appalachian State men's soccer (7-2-2,
2-0 SoCon) defeated defending Southern Conference champion UNCG (4-6, 1-1 SoCon)
in a 1-0 game on Saturday night at ASU soccer stadium.
The win marks the Apps' eighth-straight game without a loss,
the program's outright longest unbeaten streak since 1978. The Black and Gold posted
a 6-0-2 record in its last eight games.
"To get a win over the defending conference champions, that's
big," noted head coach Matt Nelson. "They are a good team, one of the toughest
on our schedule. Our guys came out hard and deserved a win. We got our chances
and were able to put a chance away."
Appalachian built a 9-3 advantage in shots in the first
period but was thwarted by UNCG keeper Peyton Ford, who stopped all four ASU
shots on goal.
The Mountaineers' nearly benefitted from mistake by Ford
with less than two minutes to play in the opening half. Ford mishandled the
ball, which was recovered by Appalachian's Nate Latigue. The junior pressed the
net, but Ford made a diving save to keep the game scoreless heading into the
intermission.
Appalachian's big break came in the 68th minute. Senior Mark Bridges fired a deep shot from the right side that caromed off the left post.
The rebound found Dodge in prime position, and the junior slammed his shot into the
right side of the net. Dodge's goal was his first of the season, while Bridges
is now tied with a team-high four assists.
"The goal couldn't have come at a better time," commented
Dodge. "The ball fell right to me, and I was in the right place at the right
time."
In the final minutes, the Spartans scrambled to equalize the
score, but five second-half saves by ASU keeper Danny Free secured Appalachian's
1-0 victory. Free finished the game with six saves total, earning his fourth career
shutout.
ASU freshman Sekani Sinclair recorded a game-high four
shots, while Dodge notched three on the day.
"The streak is great, but we try to focus game by game,"
added Nelson. "We'll celebrate this win tonight, but starting tomorrow, our
sights are set on our next game."
The Mountaineers hit the road destined for Georgia Southern
for their next game on Friday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m.
