Women's Soccer Southern Conference

Appalachian State Downs Gardner-Webb, 2-0

Appalachian State 2, Gardner-Webb 0 

 

BOONE, N.C. - On a damp and rainy afternoon, Appalachian State University women's soccer was able to grind out a win, as they defeated Gardner-Webb 2-0. With the win, ASU notches its first victory of the season, moving to 1-1-1, while the Runnin' Bulldogs fall to 1-4.


The Mountaineers dominated the first half of play, launching ten shots compared to Gardner-Webb's one.


At the 20 minute mark, senior Amy Zahirski had a great chance to put one away, as goalkeeper Jessica Tuggle came out of the goal, but Zahirski was unable to finish as she nearly missed wide right. Just five minutes later, freshman Jordan Horvath also had a good opportunity to score, as she took a free kick for Appalachian, but hit the ball over the top of goal.


Third time was a charm for the Apps as junior Caroline Lowe got Appalachian on the board, scoring her first goal of the season, as she took a shot from the far side of the 18 yard box that skidded past Gardner-Webb's goalie and into the far side of the net.


Six minutes before halftime, the Mountaineers were able to execute again. Earning an indirect kick inside the 18 yard box, Horvath faked a pass, while Lowe tapped the ball to Jennifer MacNeill whose shot clipped a Gardner-Webb defender and went into the back of the net, to give Appalachian the 2-0 lead.


MacNeill now leads the Apps in goals, with two on the season.


Appalachian took the 2-0 lead into the break.


The Runnin' Bulldogs came out strong in the second half, as they outshot the Mountaineers seven to five. Melissa Malone led GWU offensively, notching two shots on target.


Defensively for ASU, both Caroline Clarke and Emma White saw action, as Clarke played the first half and White the second half making six saves. For the Runnin' Bulldogs, Tuggle played all 90 minutes, making a total of four saves.


The Mountaineers look to carry their momentum into this weekend, as they host the Mountaineer Invitational, Friday September 12 and Sunday September 14. The Invitational gets underway Friday at Noon, with Francis Marion playing UNCW, followed by ASU taking on Longwood at 3 p.m. All matches will be played at the ASU Soccer Stadium at State Farm.