The High Point University men’s soccer team has made history by becoming the first Big South team to be ranked in the NCAA DI Men’s Soccer Committee’s Top 16, currently sitting at an impressive No. 7. This achievement was highlighted through their continued success on the field, as the Panthers demonstrated their capabilities with a commanding 2-0 victory over Radford University on Saturday afternoon.
This win marked the continuation of High Point’s remarkable 11-game winning streak, pushing their record to 9-1-3 overall and an undefeated 5-0-0 in conference play. The game took place at Cupp Memorial Field, where the Panthers showcased their strong mentality, especially after a five-day break.
In the first half, both teams struggled to find their rhythm, yet High Point managed to create numerous opportunities, finishing the opening half with eight total shots and three on goal. Their best chance came from a free kick in the 22nd minute, taken by Amaya, narrowly missing the target. The High Point defense was resolute and efficient, limiting Radford to just two shots with no corner kicks during the first half.
The Panthers broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute, with a deft assist from Niblock leading to Adagani’s goal, his fifth of the season. Just ten minutes later, Adagani scored again, completing his brace with a well-placed shot following an assist from Mensah, marking his first collegiate assist.
Defensively, goalkeeper Caron and the rest of the backline effectively contained Radford, who could only muster seven overall shots with only two hitting the target, resulting in High Point’s sixth clean sheet of the season. By the end of the match, the Panthers had registered 18 total shots, with nine on goal, and also secured six corner kicks compared to Radford’s two.
With this victory, High Point secured their fifth consecutive win in the Big South Conference and strengthened their position at the top of the standings with 15 points, leading Gardner-Webb by two points. The Panthers are looking forward to their next challenge, as they prepare to take on Gardner-Webb, the second-place team in the conference, on Saturday, October 25, at 6 p.m. in Boiling Springs, N.C. This promising trajectory not only showcases the team’s competitive spirit but also signals their potential for an exciting postseason ahead.