BOONE, N.C. — Jordan Melia, Ben Steen, and Ian Bennett have been named Appalachian State University men's soccer team captains for the 2016 season, head coach Jason O'Keefe announced on Wednesday.
“I am excited to announce these three young men as our captains for the 2016 season,” O'Keefe said. “The spring was extremely challenging and Jordan, Ben and Ian rose to every one and earned this appointment. I am pleased for them to be recognized as they are all very influential in our program on the soccer field, in the classroom and within the Boone community.”
Melia, a rising senior, has been a leader for the Mountaineers the last three seasons, starting in 35 of 41 appearances for his career. Starting a career-high 18 games last season, Melia helped lead Appalachian to five shutouts, including a key victory in the last regular-season match against conference foe NJIT on Nov. 7. The Bolton, England-native has also been an asset on the offensive side when necessary, tallying 11 shots (three on-goal) and assisting on a goal during his freshman campaign.
Steen, a rising senior, has been another crucial defender to the App State backline, but has also seen opportunities off set pieces in his three years as a Mountaineer. In 2015, he had three shots-on-goal in the 1-0 NJIT victory on Nov. 7. After filling in for key moments due to injuries during his freshman year, the Mooresville-native exploded in 2014 to start 16 of 17 matches, tallying six shots (two on-goal) while continuing to help the defense.
Bennett, a rising sophomore, had an explosive freshman campaign, starting in 17 of 18 matches for Appalachian. His first collegiate goal came against Radford (Sept. 18) and had an assist against North Florida on Aug. 28 in his first collegiate appearance. The Wilmington-native midfielder/forward finished the season fourth on the team in shots-on-goal (six) and shots (21).
The 2016 campaign begins with three exhibitions: the Black and Gold scrimmage (Aug. 12), home against Wofford (Aug. 16) and away against High Point (Aug. 20). The regular season begins for Appalachian on Aug. 26 when the Mountaineers travel to take on Cincinnati.
