BUIES CREEK, N.C. — Appalachian State University men's soccer battled back from an early 1-0 deficit in the first half to defeat the Campbell Camels 2-1 on Tuesday night at Eakes Complex.
The Mountaineers (5-7-3, 1-2-1 Sun Belt) used two goals in the final 16 minutes of the game to snap their recent skid and regain their stride over Campbell (5-9).
"I'm very pleased to get three points on the road tonight," head coach Jason O'Keefe said. "Like with every game, we have things to improve on but if we continue to learn we will only continue to improve. We will recover and then get back to work tomorrow."
Campbell got on the board early with a slow rolling ball from Seth Jones in the 13th minute through heavy congestion in the box, putting the Camels up 1-0. Campbell held the shot advantage on the day 8-4, as play battled over the middle, but the Mountaineers would find a second wind late in the match.
Sophomore Daniel Avila was able to will the ball into the back of the net off a free kick from 20 yards out in the 74th minute to equalize the game – his second of his career and first of the season. Then, in the 79th minute, Appalachian State was able to draw a foul in the box to open up the chance for a penalty kick.
Senior Stephen Chapman has been the PK machine this year and was able to drive it home, giving him his seventh goal of the season and his fifth good PK.
The Mountaineers were led on the day offensively by Chapman and Avila who each had their shot on goal, while sophomore Ian Bennett and junior Cooper Coughlin also had a shot on the night.
Freshman Jake Agnew was able to get his fourth win of the season, making two saves for the game.
The Home Stretch
Appalachian State is beginning the home stretch of their season with only two games remaining, one of them the Mountaineers' final Sun Belt conference opponent in longtime rival Georgia Southern.
With the Sun Belt only having six teams in the conference, the rankings are extremely tight, making the final Georgia Southern match an important one.
The Mountaineers had a six-match unbeaten streak snapped last weekend, but appear to be back on track heading into the end of the season, being uber-efficient with two shots on goal against Campbell for two goals.
Looking Forward
The Mountaineers next matchup will be on the road against Charlotte on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
