BOONE, N.C. - App State women's soccer redshirt-sophomore
Abbey Rand scored the equalizing goal in the 86th minute that led to a 1-1 draw in the Sun Belt opener against Troy on Friday evening at Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex.
App State moves to 2-4-2 on the season and 0-0-1 in the league. The Mountaineers stay undefeated at home with a 2-0-2 mark. Troy is 5-1-3 on the season and 0-0-1 to start conference action.
It wasn't until with four minutes left in regulation the Apps capitalized on one of their five shots on goal that led to the eventual tie.
Kristin Brown notched her team-leading fifth assist of the season with a perfect corner that connected with Rand for the header for her first career score.
In the third period,
Molly Niewald had the perfect opportunity to give the Black and Gold the game-winner, but her shot just went right of the post.
App State and Troy's defense took over from that point with both squads coming up with zero shots on frame in the final 12 minutes of the contest.
The Mountaineers were on the attack from the start with an 8-3 shot advantage in the first half. Appalachian played some stingy defense, as it didn't allow a shot on frame in the first 45, which led to a 0-0 deadlock going into the break.
Tess Cairney fired away a shot in the first eight minutes of the contest, but was saved by Troy's Haleigh Mercer.
App State outshot Troy, 15-10 while holding a 7-3 edge in corners. Niewald led the way with three shots, while five different athletes tallied a shot on goal.
Kerry Eagleston played all 110 minutes with a pair of saves.
Appalachian will look to end the weekend with a win in the non-conference finale on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Ted Mack.
Kristin Brown to Abbey Rand
