MACON, Ga. - In its first road game of the season, Appalachian State men's soccer fell, 2-0, to Mercer on Sunday. With the loss, the Mountaineers slip to 1-2-0 on the year, while Mercer gets its first win to improve to 1-1-1.

Mercer applied the offensive pressure early, notching two shots within the first two minutes. The Mountaineers fought off four early corner kicks, to keep the game scoreless midway through the first period.

In the 37th minute, an aggressive foul inside the box gave Mercer a penalty kick attempt, and junior Josh Shutter converted for his first goal of the season.

In the second half, a throw-in by Shutter proved significant, as Will Betts was able to get his head on the ball and deflect it into the Appalachian goal to give the Bears a 2-0 lead.

ASU responded with seven shots in the second half, but Mercer held on to pick up its first win of the season. Sekani Sinclair and David Dodge each notched a pair of shots in the game.

Goalkeeper Danny Free made his collegiate debut for ASU, tallying four saves on the day.

Appalachian hits the road again next weekend for the Davidson/adidas classic. The Mountaineers face Gardner-Webb on Friday, Sept. 9 and Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 11.