BOONE, N.C. - Freshman Sekani Sinclair scored the first two goals of his collegiate career to lift Appalachian State men's soccer to a 3-0 win over visiting Catawba College at ASU Soccer Stadium on Thursday. The Mountaineers' record levels out to 1-1-0, while the Indians open the season at 0-1-0.

Appalachian came out firing, recording its first shot less than a minute into the game. In the 16th minute, Sinclair scored his first career goal on a perfectly-placed shot from the top corner of the penalty area. Fellow-freshman Nicholas Skoda earned his first career point on the assist.

Early the second half, Catawba refused to give up, and the Indians came up with two quick shots to open the period. Catawba earned five corner kicks during the game, including four in the latter half.

In the 80th minute, ASU senior Mark Bridges fed a lofty pass down the sideline from midfield. Sinclair was in position to retrieve it and converted the breakaway opportunity into his second goal of the day.

Less than three minutes later, senior Sean Dreybus scored his first of the season from six yards out from the goal. Skoda crossed the pass from near the goal line to earn his second assist of the day.

The Mountaineers finished the match with an 18-6 advantage in shots.

Coach Shaun Pendleton was proud of his players' performance. "I'm satisfied with 3-0, but getting the shutout is just as important."

Freshman Paul West made his debut in goal for the Mountaineers; he successfully defended all three of the Indians' shots on goal to earn the shutout.

"Sekani had a great day," continued Pendleton. "Our younger players benefited from the playing time, as did our more-experienced seniors. Our fitness got us through, but we still need to clean up the final third. The win gets the spirits up, and now it's on to five games on the road."

With the 3-0 victory in hand, Appalachian now prepares for a lengthy road trip beginning Sunday. The Mountaineers next travel to play at Mercer on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. After that, ASU will play in tournaments at Davidson and Coastal Carolina before returning for the next home game on Sept. 27 against UNC Asheville.