BOONE, N.C. – Redshirt-senior Patrick McDaniel/Midlothian recorded his first goal of the year, as the Longwood University men’s soccer team fell, 2-1, at Appalachian State University (4-7-6) in the squad’s final non-conference match of the season. Sophomore Lee Martin/Gambrills, Md. notched his first career assist on McDaniel’s goal to add to the Lancers’ offensive effort, but the Mountaineers’ Donovan Japp totaled three points to propel the home squad to the decision. Longwood (7-7-3) will wrap up the regular season with its Senior Day game against visiting Big South Conference opponent Coastal Carolina University on Saturday, November 9 beginning at 2 p.m.

“We started well tonight, getting a nicely executed goal,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. “We really had a good first half in general, but after the break, we allowed Appalachian State too much time, and that shifted the momentum and we didn’t adjust from there. That was disappointing because tonight was an opportunity for some players to impress and have a say in our final few games. We will be watching the next week unfold eagerly to see how we prepare for Coastal and beyond.”

The Lancers struck quickly, taking an early 1-0 advantage when Martin played in a corner kick to McDaniel, who put a header high into the net for the score. After a 23 minute lull without a shot from either side, the Mountaineers retaliated with their first attempts of the night, but sophomore goalkeeper Carl Carpenter/Charlottesville turned away the first and the next chance sailed wide. In the 37th minute junior Jonathan Kukapa/Leesburg launched a shot of his own that was blocked out of bounds by a defender, allowing the Lancers to take a corner kick opportunity. Sophomore Rhys Cairns/Washington, England took a chance on the set piece, but it was once again blocked, and the Mountaineers were able to score on their next possession. Donovan Japp received a cross from Alex Herbst in the middle of the box on a corner before firing on goal to knot the score at 1-1 heading into the half.

Coming out of the break, ASU continued to capitalize on its momentum, pulling ahead on the team’s first chance of the second half. Japp crossed to Tommy Labriola, who finished off the ball from inside the box to give the home squad a 2-1 advantage in the 56th minute. Longwood’s lone attempt of the half came off the foot of junior Anthony Ugorji/Washington, D.C., but keeper Danny Free made a solid save to bat the ball away. App State recorded the final two shots of the outing and maintained possession to secure the 2-1 decision.

The Mountaineers outshot the Lancers, 10-5, in the outing. Carpenter saw his first action of the season in front of the net for Longwood, registering a pair of saves in the complete game performance. Tuesday’s match marked just the third meeting ever between Longwood and Appalachian State in the sport of men’s soccer. ASU now leads the all-time series, 2-1.
 

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