ROOKIES LEAD RADFORD TO 1-0 OVERTIME WIN AT APP STATE

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BOONE, N.C. - Kieran Roberts scored the first goal of his career on an overtime game-winning header from Fraser Colmer, and Aitor Pouseu Blanco earned his third career shutout in just his seventh start in goal as three freshmen combined to lead Radford (3-2-2) to an important non-conference victory at Appalachian State (2-4-1) on Wednesday night. The lone goal of the game came in the 97th minute on a set piece for the Highlanders.

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With 3:08 to play in the first overtime, Roberts tallied the golden goal off a serve from Colmer after the Mountaineers were whistled for a foul outside the 18 yard mark. Roberts, who played 35 minutes on the night, had substituted into the contest just over a minute before bringing the game to an end. Pouseu Blanco, who led the Big South in goals against average coming into the game, earned another clean sheet with six saves and lowered his GAA to 0.80. Radford ran the longest unbeaten streak in the Big South to five games (3-0-2).

"This was always going to be a very tough game as they are well coached and had the weekend without a game as opposed to our double-overtime game Saturday," Radford head coach Marc Reeves said. "We were poor in the first half and had to rely on Aitor to make some excellent saves. That said, we did still hit the post and got in a few times."

After being outshot 10-6 in the first half, the Radford defense clamped down in the second half and overtime allowing just three shots and forcing Pouseu Blanco to only need to make two saves to protect the shutout. Meanwhile, the Radford offense ramped up its opportunities with Roberts and Colmer finally connecting on a beautiful combination. App State held a 13-10 advantage in overall shots and a 6-5 edge in chances on frame, but the only one to find the back of the net came off an RU set. Mauricio Rancel hit the post in the first half with a shot that nearly gave the Highlanders an early advantage.

"I thought our depth allowed us to make quality substitutions and ensure we got better as the game went on," Reeves said. "We have plenty to improve on, but this was a very good road win against a tough team."

The win was the fifth straight in the series for Radford over Appalachian State.

Radford returns home Saturday to face Presbyterian in the Big South opener for the Highlanders. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. at Cupp Stadium.

"We are thankful for the good support we had at our home opener," Reeves said. "We hope the fans come back out for our first Big South match."

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