BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University men's soccer used a first-half goal by senior Stephen Chapman to defeat High Point 1-0 in its final preseason exhibition on Saturday evening.
“Tonight was another learning opportunity on the road against a very talented High Point team, which challenged us and asked questions of us all night long even down a man,” head coach Jason O'Keefe said. “I was very pleased to get a shutout in the end as we worked hard all night. The shutout is a true team stat. We need to improve in many other areas this week to get ready for our season opener at Cincinnati on Friday.”
Despite the Panthers holding the shots advantage 13-7, the Mountaineers were able to defend the net better, having five saves on the night. In the goal for App State was sophomore Jake Chasteen, senior Jaron Bradley and junior Mitch Kilmer. Chasteen played the most minutes at 60:42 and led the team with three saves. Bradley played 15:25 and had one save, while Kilmer came in to finish the last 13:53 of the match, having one save as well.
The eventual game-winning goal came in the 24th minute when sophomore Daniel Avila fired a pass from the top of the box to Chapman, who was 10 yards out. Chapman only needed one touch and the goal was scored, giving Appalachian the 1-0 lead.
With only seven total shots on the evening, senior Jordan Melia and Chapman carried the attacking load for the Mountaineers, keeping the pressure whenever possible on the Panthers' defense. Melia had two shots total and one on goal, while Chapman had four shots total with two on goal. Newcomer junior Andrew Goodman also had a shot to round out the attack from Appalachian.
Defensive Fortitude
The match was mostly a defensive showdown between the two teams, fought mainly at the middle of the field. Only a combined 20 shots, 10 corners and seven saves between Appalachian and High Point. The Mountaineers depth at the goalkeeper position and the middle through back positions allowed them to edge out the Panthers.
Once again, Appalachian was able to go deep into its bench to provide energy on the field and allowed for an unwavering intensity. The Black and Gold played 20 student-athletes over the course of the match and were able to not falter through the different rotations.
Looking Forward
The Mountaineers will now head into the regular season with five road matches to start the 2016 season. First up is a trip to play Cincinnati on Friday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. Appalachian will then go onto to play at Bowling Green on Sunday, Aug. 28. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for noon.
