TROY, Ala. — In its first Sun Belt Conference match of the season, Appalachian State University women's soccer fell 3-0 to Troy on Friday evening.
"Tonight was difficult," head coach Sarah Strickland said. "We battled for 90 minutes but struggled to find our final pass to create quality opportunities. We did have a few chances, especially early on, but we were unlucky on the finish. We made a few mistakes in our defensive third and Troy capitalized on them. We will regroup and prepare for Coastal Carolina on Sunday."
The Mountaineers (5-4, 0-1 SBC) started off conference play with focus and high-energy, holding Troy (5-4-1, 1-0) to just six shots in the first half, while having nine of their own. App State had far more looks at the goal than the Trojans did, however, they just weren't able to put the ball in the back of the net. Also helping the Trojan cause was multiple incredible saves from keeper Mikki Lewis, who finished with nine on the night.
Meanwhile, Troy was able to finish on their limited attempts as Abby Reynolds put two in off assists from Haley Roberson in the 40th and 58th minutes. The first came on a through ball into the box that allowed Reynolds to just slot it just passed the outstretched hand of Appalachian's Sam Steyl in the net. The second came on a cross from the left side that was headed in as she slipped behind the line.
Troy's Brooke McKee put the game out of reach in the 66th minute by heading in a floating pass from Brittany Yoder to go up 3-0.
Leading the Mountaineer effort on the offensive was Jane Cline who had three shots, but was held without a shot on goal for the first time this season and the first time since Nov. 6, 2015. Right behind her was Lindsey Tully, Erin Settle, Jackie Nieradka and Aubrey Fletcher. Fletcher led all attackers with two shots on goal.
Steyl played the entire 90 between the frames for Appalachian, getting two saves off 11 shots faced.
The Mountaineers continue their tough first weekend of Sun Belt play by traveling to Coastal Carolina on Sunday. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.
