BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State University men's soccer (7-5-3, 1-1-1 SBC) hosts Howard (2-8-3, 0-3 SBC) on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex for Senior Day.
A Win for App State Would
- Secure App's first winning season since 2012.
- Give App its first winning season in Sun Belt action since joining the league and first winning season in league play since 2011
- Move to 8-5-3 and 2-1-1
About the Mountaineers
The Apps are coming into the match on a two-game skid with setbacks to Presbyterian (2-0) and most recently Georgia Southern (1-0) in a defensive battle. App State aims to get back on track and gain momentum going into the Sun Belt Championship Tournament with some momentum. App has yet to lose three games in a row this season.
Senior Day
Appalachian will honor its three seniors in
Jake Chasteen,
Felix Kollmannthaler and
Ian Bennett. All three have played major roles in the bounce-back season for the Black and Gold. Chasteen has posted a career season, leading the Sun Belt in goals against average (.761), save percentage (.786) and shutouts with six. In the same three categories, he ranks 26th in the nation in shutouts, 30th in goals against average and 42nd in save percentage. His six clean sheets are tied for the third most in a single season in program history. Bennett has also had a solid season, collecting a career-high two goals and two assists for six points, which is also a personal high. He is the only player on the team with multiple goals and multiple assists. Kollmannthaler has been one of the staples on the Sun Belt's best defense, allowing the fewest goals in the league with 12 and a league-high six shutouts. Kollmannthaler also has one assist, which came in a 3-0 win at George Mason.
Scouting Howard
The Bison are on a three-match skid with losses to Georgia State (1-0), Coastal Carolina (2-1) and St. Bonaventure most recently, 2-0. Despite the record, five of Howard's setbacks have been by a goal, including all three of its conference setbacks. Victor Guirma (5 goals) and Andres Goez (4 goals) have scored nine of Howard's 10 goals this season. Guirma leads the team with 11 points. Carlos Caro has started all 13 matches between the posts, netting a 1.53 goals against average anda . .747 save percentage with 62 saves.
Series History
Appalachian is 2-1-2 all-time against Howard with both of the Black and Gold's victories coming at home in 2015 and 2016. Last season, App and Howard drew to a 0-0 tie in two overtimes.
What's Next
App will await its opponent for the 2018 Sun Belt Tournament held in Statesboro, Ga. next weekend.
