BALTIMORE, Md. – Appalachian State University men's soccer took on its second tough opponent in a row in the state of Maryland when they challenged No. 11 UMBC and fell 3-1 on Sunday.

"After the way we played against Navy, we came out got the first goal," said head coach Matt Nelson. "We played much better and took the lead. Unfortunately, we switched off and conceded too soon afterwards and didn't let the game resettle."

Nelson continued, "Credit to UMBC, you can see why they are the 11th ranked team in the country. They have players that changed the game for them and we are still finding our way. We are definitely on the right path and if we can continue to improve, we are going to be where we want to be at the end of the year."

The Mountaineers (0-3-1) struck first against the Retrievers in the 34th minute on Walker White's first career goal. The shot came off of a rebound from a Donovan Japp strike and Walker was able to bury in the bottom right corner of the frame.

The Retrievers tied it just one minute later in the 35th minute when Cormac Noel headed in a ball from Marquez Fernandez to even up the game at 1-1.

Both teams would go into halftime tied, but UMBC would strike early in the second half in the 49th minute on a Mamadou Kansaye shot from five yards out. Kansaye would score again for the Retrievers in the 89th minute to seal it. 

Paul West made three saves in the contest and faced 11 shots from the UMBC attack. App State managed five shots with two on goal. White, Patrick Harrow, Mason McCarter, Donovan Japp and Jordan Melia registered shots for App State.

The Mountaineers will return home next Friday, September 12th to host Presbyterian at 7:30 p.m. The game is the second part of a soccer doubleheader with the women's team who will play Belmont at 4 p.m.

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