Women's Soccer Draws GSU in Intense Battle

BOONE, N.C. — For the second time in as many matches, Appalachian State University women's soccer played two overtimes and 110 minutes, drawing Georgia State 0-0 on Sunday afternoon. Junior goalkeeper Sam Steyl had five saves to complete the shutout.

The Mountaineers (5-5-2 (0-2-2 Sun Belt) fought in what might have been the most physical match thus far through the season, as neither App nor the Panthers (4-3-2 (1-1-2 Sun Belt) willingly conceded an edge.

"To get our first shutout in conference play is a really big deal," head coach Sarah Strickland said. "We've started off with two tough weekends as far as level and where teams are ranked and everything else so we are definitely doing better and we're a lot more positive and ready to go for sure going into next weekend. 

Strickland continued, "Every Sun Belt match is intense and every Sun Belt match is a battle and Sunday is always a grind match as far as you're going to have to give all you've got and give a little bit more than what you really think you have. That's nothing surprising and nothing different than anyone else. All of these games are going to be tough and competitive from here on out."

Both teams battled hard for every 50-50 ball in a drag-out match that featured 29 fouls and five yellow cards, including a second yellow (red) on the Panthers halfway through the second half at the 66th-minute mark. 

The Mountaineers almost got the game-winner on a header by Lindsey Tully off a corner late in the second overtime, but a foul took away the goal.

Despite the lack of a goal, Appalachian State dominated possession through all 110 minutes, outshooting Georgia State 19-6 overall, and 7-5 on shots on goal. 

Both goalkeepers were in top form playing the entire match. Georgia State's Brie Haynes finished with six saves off 18 shots faced while Monique Hundley came in to make a clutch defensive save on what would have been a sure-fire Mountaineer goal.

The Mountaineers' Steyl, finished with five saves on the game, facing six shots. It's the fifth time that Steyl has had five or more saves this season.

Leading the Black and Gold attack that produced the fourth highest total number of shots this season was Jane Cline, who finished with five shots (three on goal), and Morgan Mosack, who finished with two shots (one on goal). Kelly Flanders put in a full game protecting the backline but was able to advance forward to finish with a shot on goal as well.

Providing high-energy and clutch performances off the sidelines was Alexa Asher and Sarah Peatross, who each finished with one shot on goal and two shots total. 

The Mountaineers head on the road next weekend as they travel to Arkansas State on Friday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. ET. From Arkansas, App State will head to UL Monroe on Sunday, Oct. 2. Kickoff for the Sunday match is slated for 2 p.m. ET.