BOX SCORE
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The High Point University men's soccer team picked up a 1-0 win over the University of South Carolina in an exhibition match in front of 1,152 spectators at Vert Track and Soccer stadium Saturday night. Sophomore Fejiro Okiomah scored the games' only goal in the 53rd minute for HPU.

“This is a good win because what we are focusing on right now in this stage of preseason is defense,” head coach Dustin Fonder. “To keep a zero makes it a really rewarding win and I have to give credit to the guys for fighting and being consistent for 90 minutes. I think we are going to be in a position this year to be put as a favorite and you have to be disciplined and be able to grind out games when you are in the role.”

The Panthers took the lead early in the second half after drawing a foul in the offensive third. On the resulting free kick, junior Scott Rojo sent the ball into the box where it fell to the feet of Okiomah right in front of net. The sophomore then unleashed a hard kick to the far post for the tally.

“I thought we played really well,” Okiomah said. “Knowing that it is early in the preseason and we aren't at our peak or anything we moved the ball really well tonight. On the goal I saw Scottie put the ball over the top and I just tried to beat my guy to the ball and put my foot on it and I was just able to put a touch on it before the keeper could stop it.”

HPU continued to press even after going up one, outshooting the Gamecocks 8-3 in the second half and forcing two stellar saves from goalie Alex Long who came on at the half.

The Panthers controlled much of the possession in the first half and earned the better scoring chances of the first 45 minutes. Although SC led the shot count 4-3, none of Gamecocks shots were on frame while Okiomah forced two saves by goalie Jimmy Maurer.

The HPU backline played a big role in earning the clean sheet on the night, consistently tracking back with SC's athletic attackers and snuffing out potential dangers. The win by High Point showed the team's rapid improvement from one year ago when the Panthers lost to South Carolina 4-0 in an exhibition match in Columbia, S.C.

High Point will play one final exhibition match against N.C. State in Raleigh, N.C., on Aug. 26 before returning to Vert to open the season against Elon on Sept. 1. The game against the Phoenix will be a return engagement for the two squads after HPU picked up a 1-0 victory in Elon, N.C., last season.