Boone, N.C. - The Citadel soccer team picked up their first 0-0 draw of the season against Appalachian State on Friday night at ASU Soccer Stadium in Boone, N.C.
Nikkita Persaud led the Bulldogs with four shots on goal while goalkeeper Whitney Nave totaled eight saves on the night. The Mountaineers outshot The Citadel 17-10 and the Bulldogs tallied four corners while Appalachian State posted nine corners.
It was a good defensive match for both teams. The Mountaineers opened the game with two corners before Persaud took the first shot of the game after 19 minutes of play, but it was saved by Appalachian State's Carolina Clarke. For the rest of the half, the Mountaineers took over offensively. Appalachian State's Taylor Dunlap shot in the 21st minute of the game but Nave collected a save. The Mountaineers shot five more times before Nicole Martinoli tried to score for the Bulldogs but it flew high.
In the second half, Appalachian State was able to take three shots, one blocked by Citadel players and the other saved by Nave. Amy Loughran shot first for the Bulldogs and last for both teams after 39 minutes of play but the ball fell wide right of the net, forcing the game into overtime.
The Citadel had opportunities to score in the 20 minute overtime but was unsuccessful. Leah Hawkins had a wide left shot with 18 minutes on the clock while Persaud recorded the last shot for the Bulldogs that was saved by the Mountaineers' Clarke in the last minute of the game. The Bulldogs now hold a record of 5-9-1, 2-4-1 SoCon and Appalachian State is now 5-7-3, 2-3-2 SoCon.
"Our fight tonight was fantastic," said head coach Bob Winch. "The girls really battled hard for each other. At the end, we had a great chance to win it."
The Bulldogs will remain on the road as they rally against Western Carolina on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. in Cullowhee, N.C. Recap and results will be available following Sunday's match. For more information on Bulldog Soccer, visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics at www.CitadelSports.com.
