FAIRFAX, Va.— Appalachian State University women's soccer played its first match of the Patriot Invitational on Friday night versus UMBC. The Mountaineers (3-1-0) defeated the Retrievers (1-3-1), 1-0, at George Mason Stadium.

"It was great to get a result tonight," said head coach Sarah Strickland. "UMBC is a great team and definitely battled and created a lot of opportunities."

Appalachian had a great scoring opportunity in the 38th minute when the Retrievers committed a foul in their penalty box. Merlin Beckwith, who has two penalty-kick goals this season, was denied a third by UMBC goalkeeper, Jen Nance.

The Mountaineers kept the pressure on and broke the deadlock in the 40th minute. Kat Greer scored her first career goal to give App State a one goal lead going into half time. Greer tallied four shots in the game with three on goal.

Greer's goal is all the Apps would need as they hung on through a scoreless second half to earn their second-straight victory.

App State out shot the Retrievers 16 shots to seven. Six of the Black and Gold's shots required saves from the UMBC goalkeeper.

Megan Roberson started the game for the Apps and played the first half. Roberson made three saves. Sam Steyl entered the game at half time and recorded two saves.

"We had some huge saves by both Megan Roberson and Sam Steyl and a phenomenal goal by Kat Greer," said Strickland. "I'm proud of the effort, but we have work to do tomorrow to prepare for Sunday." 

Appalachian returns to George Mason Stadium on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. to play its final game of the Patriot Invitational against George Mason.