GREENSBORO, N.C. - Appalachian State University men's soccer could not find an answer for a UNC Greensboro goal in the 39^th minute, as the Mountaineers fell to the Spartans, 1-0, on Saturday night at UNCG Soccer Field.

With the loss, Appalachian dropped its first Southern Conference opener since 2009 and fell to 4-4-1 on the season. UNCG improved its overall record to 4-4-2.

After an aggressive opening 20 minutes that saw 11 fouls combined, the Apps found some offense in the 28^th minute when junior defender Harrison Delbridge got a header on goal but was saved by UNCG goalkeeper Peyton Ford.

The Mountaineers continued to out pressure on the UNCG backline when sophomore forward Stanley Broaden troubled Ford but the redshirt senior goalkeeper corralled the shot for his second save of the match.

The Spartans got their offense going in the 39^th minute when Hakan Ilhan received a cross from Maximilian Schulz and scored past App State goalkeeper Danny Free from six yards out. For Ilhan, it was his six goal of the season.

The Appalachian offense could not get into rhythm in the second half, only firing one shot on goal. UNCG's strong defense held on for the final 45 minutes en route the 1-0 victory.

Broaden, Delbridge and senior forward Boboucar Toure led the Mountaineers with two shots apiece. In goal, Free stopped four Spartan shots.

The Mountaineers return to their non-conference schedule on Tuesday, Oct. 2 when they travel to Gardner-Webb. Kickoff from Boiling Springs, N.C. is set for 7 p.m.