BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - The Bluegrass State continued to be unkind to the IUPUI men's soccer team as the Jaguars dropped a 2-1 decision against Appalachian State on Friday night at the Western Kentucky Invitational. The Mountaineers scored the game-winner with just over seven minutes left to improve to 2-1-0 on the season.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars fell to 0-3-0 on the young season after dropping a pair of matches at last weekend's University of Kentucky Invitational.
Sophomore Justin Darvish staked the Jaguars to an early lead, thanks to a nifty pass from fellow sophomore Eric Weigman. Weigman played a square ball through the ASU defense, freeing Darvish for an easy opportunity on net against goalkeeper Tyler Smith.
It marked Darvish's first score of the season and the second of his college career. It was Weigman's fifth career assist.
"It was a great ball by Wiggy and a good job of finishing by Darvish," IUPUI head coach Steve Franklin said.
The lead held until the 61st minute, when Sean Sassano scored his first of two goals on the evening. The equalizer came when Corey Lugger sent a cross that bounced twice through the six-yard box, finding Sassano on the back side for a header score.
"We got sloppy on the back post and they were able to beat a couple of our markers," Franklin said.
The score remained tied, despite IUPUI missing some opportunities to take the lead late in the match. Reserve Louie Leger had a one-on-one opportunity with Hunter with just over 11 minutes left, but sent his shot directly at Smith for an easy save. IUPUI attackers were able to get in behind the ASU defense on two other occasions, but were unable to finish their setups.
Sassano made the most of the game-winning opportunity in the 83rd minute, as he tallied off a give-and-go build. Sassano played Arie Muniz in the midfield, who returned the pass to the sprinting forward. IUPUI goalkeeper David Barszczowski came off his line to try to cut off Sassano's angle, but the ASU player connected from the top of the 18-yard box for his fifth goal of the season.
"Dave played very well in goal," Franklin said. "He really kept us in it with his play in net."
Barszczowski finished his first career start with three saves.
Weigman and senior Adrian Conrad paced the IUPUI attack with three shot attempts each, although IUPUI was outshot 15-11 on the evening.
IUPUI returns to action on Sunday when they take on host Western Kentucky in the tournament finale. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CDT.
