Appalachian State's Chapman Nets Two Goals in 3-2 Triumph at Longwood
FARMVILLE, Va. – Sophomore Stephen Chapman (Greensboro, N.C./Northwest Guilford) tallied his first career multi-goal game and his fifth and sixth career goals on Wednesday in Appalachian State University men’s soccer’s 3-2 triumph at Longwood.
“It feels good to get back int he win column,” said head coach Matt Nelson. “We created a lot of really good scoring opportunities and were finally able to find the back of the net. I would say that was the best performance of the year from our attacking players. It’s not an easy trip to make on one day and then play, but credit to the guys that stepped in with our numerous injuries and suspensions to pull out a win. I’m proud of their work tonight.”
The Mountaineers (5-7-3) went ahead in the match at the 19:20 mark on Stanley Broaden’s (Wilmington, N.C./Eugene Ashley) seventh goal of the season. Alex Herbst (Apex, N.C./Apex) chipped a ball into the box and allowed Patrick Harrow (Davidson, N.C./North Mecklenburg) to hit it once on a cross to the back post for Broaden to break the tie and put App State in front on a header goal.
At the 27:51 mark, the Lancers would knot the score at 1-1 when Zach Crandall scored from inside the box on the far side.
Right after halftime in the 49th minute, Dan Campos would put the Lancers up 2-1 on an unassisted goal in the box.
Appalachian would respond in a big way – highlighted by Chapman. At the 59:11 mark, Harrow played a great long ball up the far side that sprung Chapman toward the goal and the Greensboro, N.C. native was able to capitalize on the equalizer.
With the score tied, freshman John Walrath (Raeford, N.C./Hoke County) played a great cross close to the near side sideline to the back post where Chapman was able to collect his second goal of the night and the eventual game-winner – the second of the striker’s career.
“First off, it was a great win for our team,” said Chapman. “We’ve been working hard for the past couple of weeks and it feels good to get a win under our belt. I couldn’t have had the success that I did tonight if it wasn’t for my teammates. They were finding me in good places and I just worked hard to get the ball in the back of the net.”
Chapman led the Mountaineers in shots with seven, including four on goal. Broaden and Keegan Tanaka (Austin, Texas/James Bowie) collected four shots each, while Herbst had two and Ben Steen and Trey Hemphill (Asheville, N.C./T.C. Roberson) added a shot each.
The Mountaineers will have some time off before their final game of the regular season when they host Sun Belt foe NJIT on Senior Night. The match is slated for Saturday, Nov. 8 with kick off at 7:30 p.m.