JONESBORO, Ark. — Despite highly accurate shooting by the team, Appalachian State University women's soccer couldn't overcome the three-goal deficit set in place by Arkansas State in the first half, falling 3-0 on Friday afternoon.
"Today was difficult," head coach Sarah Strickland said. "Any time you play against a team that is well organized defensively and the opportunities you have are unlucky, it is tough to overcome. Some days you realize are not going to be your day. Arkansas State is a very good team and held South Alabama to the final minutes. In the future, we have to play with the fire and intensity that we found in the second half from the initial whistle. We will continue to work and prepare for UL Monroe on Sunday."
The Mountaineers (5-6-2 (0-3-2 Sun Belt)) fell behind early in the match as the Red Wolves (3-5-3 (1-3-1 Sun Belt)) put up a goal in the 10th minute when Katherine Padgett found a breakaway opportunity. App State had its second highest on-goal percentages of the season (.545), firing away a season-high 12 of 22 on target, but was just unable to get one past the line, whether from a shot hitting the crossbar or A-State's Ponder making the save.
The 12 shots on goal for Appalachian is the most by the team since Oct. 16, 2015 at UL Monroe (13).
Later on in the first half, Padgett was again able to laser in a free kick awarded to the Red Wolves in the 23rd minute for her second goal of the match. The final goal was scored just 12 minutes later when Taylor Schneider headed in a corner from Tayler Carter that was redirected by Jackqueline Greer.
Leading the Mountaineer effort during the match was Kelly Flanders who found many opportunities to come out of the backfield  to get in on the offense, finishing with five shots on the game, three on goal. Jane Cline had all four of her shots on goal while Jackie Nieradka had two of her three total shots on frame.
Sarah Moon once again provided a lot of energy off the sidelines, having two shots total and one on goal in her 26 minutes. Lindsey Tully also was able to find opportunities to help offensive from the backline, getting one of her two total shots on goal. Jenn Bass also put up a shot on goal while Erin Settle, Emmily Cowie, Morgan Mosack, Kristin Brown and Sarah Peatross also had one shot.
Splitting the time between the posts for Appalachian was Sam Steyl and Taylor Ray. Steyl played in the first 45, making one save and allowing the three goals while Ray played the second half, getting one save.
The Mountaineers will stay on the road this weekend as they head to UL Monroe on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
