UNC Asheville 2, Appalachian State 1

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - UNC Asheville withstood a late barrage by the Appalachian State women?s soccer team in the final 10 minutes to hang on to a 2-1 victory Thursday afternoon. Freshman Jennifer MacNeill (Ft. Lauderdale) scored her fourth goal in the last five matches with ASU?s lone tally in the match.

The Mountaineers had four shots and three corner kicks in the final 10 minutes, during which MacNeill netted her goal, but couldn?t find the equalizer as their record falls to 2-4. UNCA improved to 2-1 with the victory.

UNCA dominated the first half, outshooting Appalachian, 13-3. However, the Apps came back to outshoot UNCA, 11-9, in the second period. The Bulldogs notched their first goal in the 31st minute from Ashleigh Carter who knocked in Robyn Busha?s shot that deflected off the post. Despite the disparity in shots, that was the only goal scored by UNCA in the first half . The Bulldogs added a second goal in the 72nd minute from Joy Haynes on a cross through the box from Carter.

With a renewed sense of urgency, the Mountaineers attacked the UNCA goal but could only muster one score in the 86th minute from MacNeill on an 18-yard kick towards the far post. The goal was MacNeill?s fourth of the season. ASU got one more chance to score in the 87th minute on a shot from Casey Cleary (Wellington, Fla.). However, UNCA keeper Shanna Brown successfully stopped the shot, one of six saves on the afternoon. Her counterpart, freshman Emma White (Arden, N.C.) matched a season high with eight saves.

Cleary finished the match with a team-high four shots, while MacNeill added three, all on goal. Busha led the Bulldogs with six shots and Kate Barrow chipped in with four of UNCA?s 22 shots.

The Mountaineers will resume their non-conference schedule on Sunday, September 17 versus Longwood at the ASU Soccer Stadium starting at 1 p.m.