By Matt Present. NORFOLK, Va. — App State Soccer drew against Old Dominion, 1-1, to begin Sun Belt Conference play for the 2025 season.
A late goal by Old Dominion (4-1-2, 0-0-1) was countered by a clutch, free kick score from the Mountaineers’ (4-3-1, 0-0-1) Kyli Switalski with four minutes remaining in the contest.
Behind with time winding down, App State mounted a counterattack and drew a yellow card from Old Dominion, outside the Monarchs’ penalty box. In the 86th minute, Switalski took the set piece after Olivia Simon faked the shot, burying it in the right side of the net for the equalizing goal for her third goal of the season.
The Monarchs, who held a 59% of possession advantage, outshot the Mountaineers 16-6 in the match. They also had more shots on goal, with five compared to App State’s three. Despite the disparity in offensive opportunities, the game remained scoreless through the first half.
Old Dominion put the pressure on early, taking 10 shots in the first half to App State’s two. App State goalkeeper Hanna Skogsfors made two saves in the first 45 minutes to keep the game deadlocked.
The Mountaineers made a change at goalkeeper at the start of the second half, with Anna Claire Jacobi taking over for Skogsfors. The Monarchs finally broke through in the 74th minute of the match, leading to App State’s late equalizer.
The Mountaineers will continue conference play against Georgia State on Sept. 18, in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and will be streaming on ESPN+.
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