BOONE, N.C. – On a chilly night in the High Country, Appalachian State University men's soccer heated up for two goals, including a Mason McCarter golden goal in overtime to push past the Highlanders of NJIT 2-1. 

The goal for McCarter was the first of his career and he found himself in a great spot at the right time. Patrick Harrow sent a cross in front of the goal line toward the back post and McCarter was able to punch it in for the game-winner.

"It was a pretty good performance from our guys," said head coach Matt Nelson. "We worked hard against a well prepared NJIT team. We were in control for a majority of the match and I'm proud of them for battling through and finally getting the winner. We have to get ready to play them again on Thursday, but with two wins in a row, we should have confidence going into the tournament."

 The Mountaineers (6-7-3, 1-2-2 Sun Belt) earned their first conference victory with the thrilling result and will play as the No. 5 seed in the Sun Belt tournament, which starts on Thursday, Nov. 13. The Apps will take on the No. 4 seeded Highlanders in a rematch and the right to face No. 1 seeded Hartwick on Friday, Nov. 14.

Appalachian got on the board early on Saturday with a goal in the 13th minute when Jeremy Tshongo netted his second goal of the season and of his career. Tshongo struck a ball just outside the 18-yard box and off a Highlander deflection found the back of the net. Alex Herbst was credited with the assist on the goal. The assist was Herbst's eighth of the season.

The Apps would take the 1-0 lead into the half. Just six minutes into the second half at the 51:15 mark, the Highlanders' Joshua Mercer would tally the equalizer on a breakway unassisted goal to knot the score at 1-1. 

With lots of chances in the Mountaineers' favor, the game would head into overtime where McCarter was able to capitalize and send the Black and Gold faithful home happy. 

App State outshot NJIT 13-8, including a 7-2 advantage in shots on frame. The Mountaineers also created seven corner kick opportunities to the Highlanders' three. Stephen Chapman and Stanley Broaden led the team in shots with three, including two on goal. Harrow collected two shots, while McCarter, Tshongo, Jordan Melia, Keegan Tanaka and Walker White notched one shot each.

The Mountaineers will return to action to face these same Highlanders next Thursday, Nov. 13 in the Sun Belt Conference tournament in Stateboro, Ga. Kick off is slated for 6:30 p.m. from Eagle Field.

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