The '18 edition of O'Keefe's SoccerApps, with as many as nine true freshmen and sophomores in the starting lineup, are beginning to make ripples in the southeast. With two season-opening wins on the road, the young Apps are clearly improved from last season. They will go for three in a row when they clash with the 'Roos of VMI on Saturday evening at Ted Mack. The kickoff is set for 7 PM.

VMI, now back in the comfortable confines of the SoCon, enters the contest with a record of 0-2 on the young season. Third-year head coach Mike Bonelli is trying to re-build a winning culture in Lexington, but the going has been tough. The Keydets were winless last season and have suffered through two blowout losses on their home pitch this season--a 3-0 loss to Longwood and a 5-0 loss to Liberty.

VMI has three goal-keepers on their roster--all freshmen. Their trip to the NC High Country could get ugly for them. App State is a dominating 36-2-1 against VMI and at one point won 33 straight contests for its longest unbeaten streak against one team. The Mountaineers' last matchup came in 2008 when VMI came away with a rare win, 2-0.

Watch on AppVision... https://appstatesports.com/watch/?Live=202

Live Stats... http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=228357

In addition, the United Soccer Coaches' Southeast Poll ranked the Apps eighth in the Southeast Region for the week of Aug. 26-Sept. 1

Senior midfielder Ian Bennett scored on a free kick in the 26th minute to give the Apps a 1-0 lead over VMI mid-way through the first half.