The Appalachian State University women's soccer team extended its program-record unbeaten streak to 10 games on Sunday, following a tie against Old Dominion University. The match, held at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex, saw the Mountaineers maintain their strong season performance and remain a top contender in the Sun Belt Conference.
From the outset, Old Dominion demonstrated an aggressive approach, initiating a corner kick just four minutes into the contest. The early pressure from the Monarchs was met with resilience from the Mountaineers, who drew three fouls by the 20th minute, indicating a closely contested battle in the midfield.
Despite these early exchanges, the game settled into a quieter period as the first half progressed. Both teams made five substitutions each in an attempt to spark offensive plays or solidify defensive lines. However, these changes did not significantly alter the flow of the match, leading to a half characterized by limited scoring opportunities for either side.
Throughout the entire match, the Mountaineers managed a total of four shots, with only one of these registering as on target. Their closest attempt to break the deadlock came in the 73rd minute. Sophomore defender Lucy Harrington executed a one-touch volley following a corner kick, sending the ball towards the Old Dominion goal. However, the Monarchs' goalkeeper, Ellie Goodrich, was well-positioned and successfully saved Harrington’s potent strike, preserving the tie and denying App State a potential game-winning goal.
On the defensive end, sophomore goalkeeper Hanna Skogsfors was a critical factor in keeping the Black and Gold in contention. Skogsfors recorded four crucial saves during the game, effectively thwarting Old Dominion's offensive efforts and preventing any goals. Her performance contributed to the team's seventh shutout of the season, underscoring the strength and reliability of the Mountaineers' defense throughout the match and the season.
Though the game concluded without a decisive winner, the tie still holds significant implications for Appalachian State's position in the Sun Belt Conference standings. The Mountaineers now share first place in the conference, alongside the University of Louisiana Lafayette and Marshall University. James Madison University currently maintains the top spot on the overall conference list.
Looking ahead, the Black and Gold are preparing for an important away game. They are scheduled to travel to Harrisburg, Virginia, to face James Madison University. The significant conference match is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. Fans unable to attend in person will be able to stream the game live on ESPN+.
