UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Appalachian State men's soccer team is set for a Friday night matchup at No. 19 Penn State, the first of two ranked opponents for the Mountaineers in the span of five days.
Last Time Out
Appalachian State fell to Coastal Carolina, 4-2, on a rainy Saturday night in Boone. Coastal Carolina took a 4-0 lead after the first half, but the Mountaineers came out fighting in the second half, scoring two quick goals just a minute apart in the 48
th and 49
th minute.
Juan Hernandez found
Alex Hernandez for his third goal of the season. The second goal was scored by the head of
Camden Holbrook off a cross into the box from
Parker Cross. App State continued to battle, but could not find the final two goals to equalize.
Appalachian held the advantage in shots, taking 12, eight of which were in the second half, compared to nine by Coastal. The Mountaineers also held the Chanticleers without a shot in the second half.
Offensive Numbers
Holbrook's 4th goal of the season in the matchup against Coastal Carolina is now tied for the team-lead in goals with forward
Kelan Swales.
Alex Hernandez now has three goals and an assist for seven total points to put him behind Swales and Holbrook's tally of 10.
Juan Hernandez has a career and team-high four assists, followed by
Alex McGrath and
Parker Cross with three.
Sun Belt Standings
App State currently sits at the top of the Sun Belt standings with a 2-1-0 record, along with Central Arkansas. Goalkeeper
Jacob Madden continues to lead the conference in goals against average (.934) and save percentage (.782), good for 42nd and 34
th nationally. The Mountaineers have given up the least amount of goals so far this season, conceding only 12 in 1,200 minutes, and their shutout percentage of .538 is ranked 18
th nationally.
United Soccer Coaches Poll
The Mountaineers were recently ranked eighth in the Southeast region by United Soccer Coaches. This is the seventh straight week the Mountaineers have been ranked in the top 10 of the region.
Scouting Penn State
The No. 19 Nittany Lions enter Friday's match 8-2-3, playing to a 1-1 draw with RV James Madison Tuesday night. Aaron Malloy is leading the team in points with 16 and goals with seven. Liam Butts adds six goals on the season for Penn State. Penn State currently sits at the top of the Big Ten with 13 points and a conference record of 4-1-1.
Series History
This will be the first matchup between these two programs.
Up Next
The Mountaineers continue the road trip at No. 23 UNC on Oct. 29 and Sun Belt opponent Georgia Southern on Nov. 2.
