BOONE, N.C. - Senior David Dodge's goal in the 13th
minute was all that was needed, as the Appalachian State University men's
soccer opened the season with a 1-0 victory over East Tennessee State Friday
night at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex.
With the victory, App
State earns its first win in the regular season opener since 2009.
The Mountaineers
moved quickly in the first half when freshman midfielder Matthew Melton scooted
down the right side of the field and fed Dodge in the middle of the box with a
ground pass. Dodge struck the ball with his right foot to put the Apps ahead.
"David has shown up
in every game he's played," head coach Matt Nelson said. "I give him credit, he
stepped up, he needs to show up in the big games and he's doing that. We couldn't
be happier."
The Mountaineer
defense shined all night, preventing ETSU from recording a shot on goal.
Appalachian out shot
the Bucs 9-8 for the match, while the Apps tallied three shots on goal. Senior
Josiah Trower and freshman Luke Adams troubled Buccaneers goalkeeper Ryan
Coulter.
Trower paced the
Mountaineers with four shots for the night while Adams also placed on shot on
target.
Appalachian will be
in back in action on Thursday, Aug. 30 when they travel to UNC Asheville.
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
