CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Appalachian State men's soccer team posted its 10th win on the season Tuesday night, taking down North Carolina, 1-0, in Chapel Hill thanks to
Alex Hernandez's goal on a penalty kick in the 72nd minute.
It's the first win for the Mountaineers (10-4-1) over the Tar Heels (7-6-3) since 1980. UNC is receiving top 25 votes this season.
By reaching double-figure wins, App State has now matched its highest win total since 2015. It's also the first win over a Power Five program since a 2-1 victory at Virginia Tech in 2008.
"It's our 10th win, which was a goal of ours, so it's great to get that," head coach
Jason O'Keefe said. "Obviously, UNC is a great program, a top team in the country. I was really proud of the guys' defensive effort and resolve. The guys have continued to battle and continue to grow in their resolve, which we'll need for our last two Sun Belt games and going into the Sun Belt Tournament."
The first half was a defensive battle, seeing only seven total shots. North Carolina held the advantage, taking four shots compared to two by the Mountaineers. Neither team had a shot on target.
App State's best chance in the first half was in the 33
rd minute.
Nick Rogers missed a chance just wide off a ball played across the face of the goal. The teams would enter the break tied at 0-0.
The second half remained scoreless until the 72
nd minute, when North Carolina was called for a foul inside the box. Hernandez was chosen to take the penalty, and he beat the Tar Heel keeper to the left side of the net. Hernandez is now tied for the team lead in goals with four.
The App State defense took over from there, shutting down the North Carolina offense for its seventh shutout on the year. Mountaineer goalkeeper
Jacob Madden made one save on the night and moves to 10-4-1.
North Carolina ended the night with 10 shots, compared to five shots from Appalachian. Tar Heel keeper Alec Smir also made one save.
The Mountaineers travel to Sun Belt opponent Georgia Southern on Nov. 2 before ending the regular season at home on Nov. 9 against Georgia State.
