The two captains of Appalachian State men's soccer will headline a strong core of midfielders for the Mountaineers. Graduate student
Alex McGrath and junior
Juan Hernandez return experience and leadership this fall for the Apps.
McGrath earned second team All-Sun Belt last season for his role in the midfield, starting in 10 of the last 12 contests. He helped the Mountaineers earn their first winning season since the 2012 campaign and post a top-three finish in the Sun Belt.
Hernandez led the team in assists during his sophomore campaign, including the match-tying assist in the 2-1 upset over then-No. 22 Coastal Carolina. The midfielder also led the team in goals (2), points (6) and shots on goal (7) as a freshman.
Rounding out the junior midfielders are
Parker Washburn and
Justin Pruitt. Washburn appeared in 13 matches last season, tallying an assist in App's season opening 3-2 overtime victory at Jacksonville. As a freshman, he saw action in all 19 matches and scored a goal in a 2-1 win over Presbyterian.
Pruitt played in a career-high 16 matches for the Black and Gold last season. He had one goal, which was the game-winner in the Mountaineers' 2-1 win over VMI. The midfielder also had an assist during his sophomore campaign.
Sophomores
Alex Hernandez and
Dimitris Moraitakis both return with significant minutes under their belt. Hernandez saw action in all 17 matches, tying for second on the team with three goals, including the game-winner against then-No. 22 Coastal Carolina. The midfielder was first on the team in shot percentage at .750, with nine of his 12 shots on target.
Moraitakis also played in every game for the Mountaineers, making nine starts. He recorded his first collegiate goal in the 3-0 shutout over Belmont. The midfielder also posted an assist in the 3-2 season opener against Jacksonville.
Newcomer
Mayola Kinyua will see time in the midfield for the Black and Gold. Kinyua, a Nairobi, Kenya native, joins the Mountaineers from Montverde Academy in Florida. He also spent two seasons on the SIMA Gold team under Mike Potempa.
