Appalachian State's three first-half goals propelled the Mountaineers to a victory over the College of Charleston, 4-1, in the first round of the 2006 SoCon Men's Soccer Championship at Patriots Point on Sunday afternoon.

ASU improved to 10-6-2, while the Cougars end the season with a 10-9-1 record.

Shawn Berting scored the first goal of the match just 21 seconds into action to give Appalachian State the lead, 1-0. Berting scored his goal by netting home a centering pass from teammate, Juan Obregon.

Todd Topolka scored the second goal for the Mountaineers in the 34th minute by deflecting another centering pass from Obregon.

Arie Muniz scored the first of his two goals in the match in the 39th minute to make the score, 3-0, in favor of Appalachian State. Muniz won an individual ball from a CofC defender, created his own shot and blasted his shot past the goalkeeper.

CofC had four shots and four corner kicks at the end of the first half, while Appalachian State took nine shots and one corner kick after 45 minutes of action.

Muniz scored his second goal of the match in the 65th minute to give Appalachian State the four goal advantage.

Senior Scott Milroth scored the lone goal for the Cougars in the 81st minute off of a free kick just inside of the penalty box.

Overall in the match, CofC attempted nine shots and 10 corner kicks, while Appalachian St. took 24 shots and three corner kicks.

Appalachian State now advances to the semifinals of the 2006 Southern Conference Men's Soccer Championship on Nov. 3 in Greenville, S.C. The Mountaineers will face UNC Greensboro, who defeated Wofford, 2-0, in its first round match.

The other semifinal match on Nov. 3 will pit Georgia Southern against Furman. Georgia Southern defeated Davidson, 2-1, in its first round match. Furman defeated Elon, 2-0, in the first round.

The SoCon Men's Soccer Championship match will take place on Nov. 5.