GREENSBORO, NC Juan Obregon scored twice and Appalachian State held off a late charge to defeat UNC Greensboro, 2-1, in men's soccer action Saturday night at UNCG Soccer Stadium.
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Tebatso Manyama scored for UNCG on Saturday night, but the Spartans lost to Appalachian State, 2-1. (WG Sports photo)
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The Mountaineers put themselves in good position for a home field in next weekend's Southern Conference Tournament quarterfinal round. Appalachian State is now 10-7-0 overall and 4-3-0 in the league, pulling into a tie for second with Furman.
Georgia Southern and College of Charleston are both 3-3-0 in the league with one more match to play.
For UNCG (6-10-1, 2-4-0) to get a home quarterfinal match, it must beat Georgia Southern in Statesboro on Tuesday and then hope Wofford beats College of Charleston on Tuesday night. That would create a three-way tie for fourth at 3-4-0 and the Spartans would gain the fourth spot by virtue of wins over College of Charleston and, at that point, Georgia Southern. Georgia Southern topped Davidson, 2-1, in overtime on Saturday.
Obregon got the scoring started on an odd play at 33:43. Arie Muniz passed the ball down the right sideline to Obregon who hit a long cross. The ball floated over goalkeeper Chad Dickerson, off of the far post and into the goal for a 1-0 Appalachian State advantage.
Appalachian State went a man down late in the first half following a red card, but Obregon scored again at 68:58 off a penalty kick after a handball was called against UNCG inside the box.
The Spartans got back to within 2-1 with 6:06 to play. Tim Masters' pass was redirected to Tebatso Manyama who knocked the ball home from nine yards out for his third goal of the season.
But UNCG could not get the equalizer and the Spartans' senior night was spoiled. UNCG had a 21-13 advantage in shots and 10-3 in corner kicks.
UNCG faces Georgia Southern on the road Tuesday at 2 pm in the regular season finale for both teams.
AGATE
Score by period
Appalachian State..1..1..- 2
UNCG..0..1..- 1
Scoring: ASU Obregon (Muniz) 33:43; ASU Obregon (penalty kick) 68:58; UNCG Manyama (Masters) 83:54. Shots: ASU 13, UNCG 21. Saves: ASU 5 (Taylor 3, Branson 2), UNCG 6 (Dickerson 3, Berry 3). Corner kicks: ASU 3, UNCG 10. Fouls: ASU 14, UNCG 15.
- UNCG -
