The home field advantage continues to bring the Longwood men’s soccer team good luck as they won their third home game on Sept. 18. The Lancers beat Appalachian State 2-0, holding them to a shutout. Longwood has now improved to a winning record of 3-2-1.
It was a very physical match and continued to go back and forth most of the game. It was not until the 40th minute of the first half that the Lancers got the first goal of the game. Freshman midfielder Max Poelker received a cross from senior midfielder Finnlay Wyatt, who got the assist from Dan Campos.
It was the first of two assists for the junior midfielder that night. Poelker finished his shot off the cross, giving him his second goal of the season and Longwood their first goal of the night.
“The first goal of the game is massive. These types of games are pretty evenly matched, and when you have a goal, physiologically it just gives you that edge to hold onto something when needed,” said head coach Jon Atkinson.
Appalachian State had their chances to score but senior goalkeeper Carlos Canas came up with five vital saves. Canas finished the game with a shutout, making it his eighth of his career.
“You can’t ask for much better,” said Atkinson. “I think the performance could be better, but in terms of the result and how it looks is phenomenal. Keeping the team off the boards and getting the victory at home is going to make for a good night for our guys and our program.”
The Lancers got their second goal in the 54th minute in the second half. Redshirt senior midfielder Zach Corcoran received a through ball from Campos. This was Corcoran’s second goal of the season and also gave Longwood a two goal lead. This was too large of a gap for Appalachian State to close and sealed the Lancers victory.
Campos was a huge playmaker of the game that night and assisted both of the Lancers’ goals. This was a season high of assists for Campos, and he also led the team in assists last season.
“The last few games we have seen improvement in what we've been working on in practice, and it’s been positive,” said Campos.
The Lancers have another home game on Sept. 20 against George Washington University.
