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Women’s Soccer Beats Heat, Belmont With Late Goal

Werdine’s second goal of her career propels ASU to 1-0 victory over Belmont. Photo by Dave Mayo and courtesy of Appalachian Sports Information

Aug. 27, 2012. NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Appalachian State University women’s soccer earned its first win of the season as junior defender Amy Werdine’s goal in the 83rd minute lifted the Mountaineers to a 1-0 victory over Belmont on Sunday afternoon at a humid Rose Park.

With the victory, head coach Sarah Strickland moves into second place for all-time wins at Appalachian, passing Tracy Davis. 

“The entire group played well today,” Strickland said. “Belmont was a great team and they made it difficult for us to get into a rhythm, but we found a way.”

Freshman goalkeeper Megan Roberson, in her first career start, tallied her first victory and shutout with stopping four shots. 

The first half saw just two shots combined by both teams, as the paced picked up in the second half when three shots on goal were fired by the teams in the first 15 minutes, highlighted by sophomore forward Jenna Caudle’s chance in the 56th minute. 

After a save by Roberson in the 77th minute, Werdine found room in the BU defense and headed in a rebound passed Belmont’s goalkeeper, Nicole Berner, for her second goal of her career.

“I thought the goal by Werdine was a very courageous effort,” Strickland said. “She held her own in the box to put us ahead.”

Roberson recorded another save in the 86th minute, as the Mountaineer defense closed out the remaining minutes of the match to solidify the 1-0 victory.

With the temperature reaching 90 degrees, both teams struggled offensively as the Mountaineers were out shot by the Bruins, 6-4. Caudle paced Appalachian with two shots. Freshman Kebrina Keys also tallied a shot. 

“The heat was definitely a factor,” Strickland said. “We played a lot of players and it was something we had to get used to.”

The Apps will be back on the pitch when they open their home schedule on Aug. 31 when they host High Point. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex.