BOONE, N.C. — Junior Erin Settle blasted home a goal off a rebounded shot by sophomore Emmily Cowie to push Appalachian State University women's soccer past Davidson 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.
“Today was a great win against an incredible Davidson team,” head coach Sarah Strickland said. “We overcame a lot of pressure and with a couple huge breakaway saves by Sam Steyl and a phenomenal goal from Jane [Cline] to Emmily [Cowie] to Erin [Settle] we got the result. This is an incredible group of young women and I am so blessed to be part of it.”
In a defensive battle that totaled 24 total shots, 13 shots on goal for 12 saves, the Mountaineers continued their strong start to the 2016 season, improving to 2-0. It's the first time since 1999 that Appalachian has started the year 2-0.
Leading the Mountaineers attack was Jane Cline and Morgan Mosack who each had four shots each. Cline finished with three shots on goal, while Mosack had one. Appalachian continued its attack by committee strategy by having six student-athletes get at least one shot. Settle, Cowie and Sarah Peatross also had a shot on goal.
Appalachian once again shot a high volume of shots but had it dip slightly due to tough defense by the Wildcats. Where the Mountaineers did hold the advantage was in the set piece opportunities off corner kicks where they held a 7-3 advantage.
Holding the Wall
Junior Sam Steyl improved to 2-0 as well, playing a full 90 minutes in the net for Appalachian and making some spectacular saves to allow the Mountaineers to win. Getting her first shutout of the season and only allowing one goal to Northern Kentucky, Steyl so far has proven to be a dominant last line of the defense for Appalachian.
Davidson's (0-2) Alex Carpenter played the entire match as well, putting up six saves with the one goal allowed in the intense goalkeeper matchup.
Looking Forward
The Mountaineers will continue their four-match road trip on Friday, Aug. 28 when they go to take on High Point at 4 p.m. Appalachian will then travel to play Radford on Sunday, Aug. 28. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
