BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University men's soccer opened its regular season Friday evening when it hosted the Marshall Thundering Herd.

Senior goalkeeper Danny Free received the starting nod for head coach Matt Nelson's squad – while also earning the shutout playing 110 minutes and making five tremendous saves in net.

The Mountaineers matched the physicality of Marshall early and often. A lot of the play took place in the middle of the field with a few shots being taken by both teams. The Herd outshot App State – 15 to 13 – although the two teams played a much tighter game than the stats would let on.

Of App State's 13 shots, four were on goal – the Mountaineers had three hit off the post just inches from being potential goals. The offensive attack from the Apps was certainly a positive note in the match as they created numerous chances for themselves with nine corner kicks in the game. Sophomore Trey Hemphill lead the Mountaineers in shots with five – 2 were on target.

The speed of Stanley Broaden and Jackson Allen kept Marshall on its toes defensively. The midfielders did a great job of opening them up for different runs all throughout – including some well played balls from the backline.

The game stayed chippy throughout all 110 minutes. Both teams combined for 35 fouls – 19 for Marshall and 16 for Appalachian. There were four yellow cards handed out as well – two for both teams.

The defense for App State was as good as advertised – not allowing anything easy for the Herd. The defense even included a team save from freshman Stephen Chapman when Free got caught out of the net. Chapman made a game saving play for App State on the goal line.

The Mountaineers play again on Sunday when the play host to the Navy Midshipmen. Kick off is set for 2 p.m. from Appalachian Soccer Stadium.

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