JOHNSON CITY, TENN. - Appalachian State University men's soccer suffered its first loss of the season in a 1-0 setback to a tough ETSU (2-3) squad on Saturday evening at Summers-Taylor Stadium.
The Mountaineers despite the loss, are still at a 4-1 mark for the season and is one win away from matching last season's win total. Entering Saturday, App was one of 14 programs in the country that remained undefeated.
Appalachian faced a formidable ETSU squad that is now 11-1-5 at home over the past two seasons.
"Tough one tonight," head coach
Jason O'Keefe said. "I thought had we many moments to produce a result. Hats off to ETSU, they are a good team that is well-coached. We will learn from this game and move forward tomorrow and become better for the experience it gave us."
Appalachian had several opportunities early in the contest highlighted by a
Zeiko Harris header that was saved by the ETSU keeper in the 30th minute when the score was in a 0-0 deadlock.
Ten minutes later, ETSU scored the only goal it needed from Danny Barlow to give the hosts a 1-0 lead, which would be the score going into the break.
Early in the second frame,
Parker Washburn had a golden chance to things up with a shot on target, but it was saved by ETSU.
The Mountaineers continued to attack but couldn't find a shot on target.
Camden Holbrook's attempt in the 82nd minute was right there on frame but Josh Perryman came up with his third save of the contest to keep the App offense at bay after scoring multiple goals in the first four games of the season.
Washburn and
Alex McGrath led the way with two shots apiece, while
Jake Chasteen started between the posts and played all 90 minutes.
Appalachian will look to bounce back on the road against UNC Asheville on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
