FARMVILLE, Va. – A two-assist night for junior Dan Campos and a shutout performance from senior goalkeeper Carlos Canas led the Longwood men's soccer team to a 2-0 win over Appalachian State Saturday night at the Athletics Complex.  

The win vaults Longwood (3-2-1) back above the .500 plateau, as the Lancers remain unbeaten at home through two games. For Longwood, it marks the second straight season the squad has captured wins in their first two home contests to match the second-best start at home in the Division I era. Meanwhile, Appalachian State falls to 1-5-0 on the season.

"The guys managed to defeat a difficult opponent," said Longwood head coach Jon Atkinson. "Our guys worked hard throughout and Appalachian State challenged us in every square inch of the field. Overall, we're happy with the result."

Campos, Longwood's leader in assists a season ago, picked up his third helper in the past three games, as he recorded a season-high two assists. It was part of a night in which the Bergen, Norway, product finished with two of Longwood's eight shots on target while playing all 90 minutes.

"Dan's a very capable player," Atkinson said. "When he's on, he's very, very good. Tonight, he certainly put the team first and was able to contribute heavily to the team's offense."

Coming off a career-matching 10-save performance Tuesday at No. 23 Virginia Tech, Canas picked up the clean sheet to mark his second of the season, including two shared shutout bids. It marks the eighth of his career, including his fifth of the past two seasons.

"Carlos is a tremendous keeper," Atkinson said. "He's just as good a person as he's a keeper. He's well defended by a back line, who understands their responsibilities."

Canas, who's started each game for the Lancers this season, continued a stretch in which he's allowed just one goal in five of six contests. His .862 save percentage leads the league while his 0.65 goal-against average ranks second, behind only Radford's Aitor Pouseu Blanco (0.50).

"Appalachian State has proven to be a good opponent," Canas said. "We knew coming into the game that it was going to be tight throughout and I just wanted to make sure I didn't allow anything easy."  

Canas (3-2-1) outdueled Jake Chasteen (1-5-0) in the win, making five saves. He was aided by the effort of back line group Tom Devitt, Marten Pajunurm and Evan Fowler, who each played at least 87 minutes in the contest.

"Those guys are just exceptional," Canas said. "They give all-out effort every game, but we're a brotherhood back there."

Max Poelker picked up his second goal of the season in the 40th minute, picking up the first game-winning goal of his career. He was able to finish a cross from Finnlay Wyatt on the left side from right in front of goal. Campos also picked up his second assist in three games with the secondary assist.

That assist marked the first of two helpers of the night, as he provided Zach Corcoran with a through ball into the box to set-up Corcoran's second of the season in the 54th minute and provide Longwood with a two-goal advantage.

Longwood and Appalachian State each wore gold shoe laces during Saturday's game, teaming up with "Go4theGoal" campaign to raise awareness and support in the fight against pediatric cancer. In conjunction with Go4theGoal's program, the Lancers and Mountaineers donated funds and of the funds used to buy the laces, 80% will go back to help kids with cancer and their families in the area the funds are raised.

Before entering Big South play, Longwood will look to continue its winning ways Tuesday, Sept. 20, as the Lancers host George Washington. Kickoff for the game is set for 6 p.m., and will be broadcast on the Big South Network.

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