ROCK HILL, SC— Keon McPherson’s goal in the 34th minute proved to be the game-winner as Appalachian State defeated Winthrop 2-1, Saturday afternoon at Eagle Field in the final game of the Wingate Inn/Sagebrush Classic.
Appalachian State (7-10-1) took a 1-0 lead just five minutes into the match. McPherson headed home a corner kick from Brian Fowler. The Eagles (10-7-1) evened the game in the 27th minute on a Dee Vydra goal. Donald MacGregor played a ball into the box to Vali Arnason, who one touched a pass in front of the net to Vydra who was all alone. Arnason’s assist gave him 100 career points.
The game was the final regular season game for both teams and Winthrop will head to Radford, VA next week to defend its Big South Conference championship. The seedings have not yet been determined and will be announced Sunday evening.
In the first game of the day, Gardner-Webb shutout IUPU-Fort Wayne 1-0 behind Joe Johnson’s seven saves. Carlitos Ramirez scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs in the 17th minute, unassisted.
Gardner-Webb improved to 10-9 and IUPU-Fort Wayne fell to 7-11-1.
Wingate Inn/Sagebrush All-Classic Team:
IUPU-Fort Wayne- Peter Hachaj, Trent Miller, Garrett Buck
Gardner-Webb- Sergio Lozano, Todd Ulrich, Eli Strait
Winthrop- *David Garry, Donald MacGregor, Andy Ross
Appalachian State- Philip Cavicchia, Geoff Christman, David Boyd
Tournament Defensive MVP- Micah Usry, Winthrop
Tournament Offensive MVP- Keon McPherson
