Wood Breaks Career Scoring Record in Mountaineers’ Victory

Image Courtesy Of App State Facebook

Graduate student Izzi Wood etched her name atop Appalachian State Soccer’s record books Friday, scoring her 31st career goal to break Casey Cleary’s 17-year-old mark while lifting the Mountaineers to a 2-1 victory over Southern Miss at The Valley.

Record-Breaking Heroics

Wood netted the decisive goal in the 56th minute, heading home a right-footed cross from senior Reagan Sturgill with sophomore Ellie Garrison providing the secondary assist. The strike came in Wood’s 86th career match, tying Mumu Guisasola for second all-time in program appearances.

“I couldn’t have done this without my teammates, coaches, and family,” Wood said. “I think it’s a testament to the work that I’ve put in over the years and the support I have received, but most importantly, it shows the type of program App State soccer is. Scoring goals takes everyone—teammates, coaches, strength coach, athletic trainer and all of App Nation. I’m forever grateful to be a part of App State history.”

The Hickory, North Carolina native surpassed Cleary’s record of 30 career goals, which had stood since 2008. Wood, a two-time All-Sun Belt and All-Southeast Region selection, continues adding to her decorated career.

Match Summary

App State (6-7-3, 2-4-3 SBC) opened scoring just before halftime when freshman Libby Bermingham netted her first career goal in the 43rd minute. Freshman defender Maddie Williams launched a long ball into the box from a free kick, where sophomore Walker Bristow headed it across the goal mouth to Bermingham for the finish.

Southern Miss (2-13-1, 1-8-0) equalized early in the second half when Zayla Reagan slipped a shot inside the near post in the 50th minute before Wood’s heroics restored the lead.

The Mountaineers tallied 11 shots including five on target, led by Bermingham’s three attempts. Wood, Kyli Switalski, and Olivia Simon each recorded two shots. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Anna Claire Jacobi made two saves to secure the victory.

Season Finale Ahead

With James Madison’s victory over Georgia State, App State has been eliminated from Sun Belt tournament contention. The Mountaineers close their regular season Wednesday hosting Georgia Southern at 6 p.m. at The Valley on ESPN+.

The match will feature a Halloween costume contest at halftime with free pizza for students while supplies last, providing a festive atmosphere for the season finale.