University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
Appalachian State
Men's Soccer Falls at Appalachian State 2-0
11.03.2009 | Men's Soccer
BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State came up with two first half goals and kept the pressure on in the second half to earn the victory over non-conference rival UNC Asheville on Tuesday night. The Bulldogs (6-10-2) were unable to convert the few offensive opportunities they were given in a match in which Appalachian (7-8-1) enjoyed a significant statistical advantage.
Appalachian state took control in the 16th minute, when a pair of underclassmen teamed up for the opening goal. Sophomore Sean Dreybus drove a corner kick to the back side of the box, where it was collected by freshman J.J. Elder. Elder fired the shot over the head of Asheville goalkeeper Lassi Hurskainen for his fifth goal of the season.
In the 32nd minute, the Mountaineers solidified their advantage. Freshman David Dodge stole the ball at midfield and outmaneuvered a pair of defenders, then drove a 17 yard strike past Hurskainen for his first career goal.
UNC Asheville's best scoring opportunity came in the 26th minute, when Bryan George received a cross pass with only the goalkeeper to beat, but Appalachian State's Collin Taylor stepped up to make the save. Asheville had a second one-on-one chance early in the second half, but the shot from David Wood was deflected harmlessly away by Taylor.
Appalachian State outshot the Bulldogs 11-8, and held an 11-0 advantage in corner kicks. Taylor made three total saves, while Hurskainen made two. Tuesday's decision is the fourth consecutive defeat for the Bulldogs, and marks the second season in a row in which they have lost to the Mountaineers.
UNC Asheville will return home on Saturday to wrap up the regular season by hosting Liberty. That match will kick off at 2 p.m.
