The UNC Asheville men's soccer team moved into a tie for first place in the Big South Conference with a 4-0 league win over visiting High Point Wednesday afternoon at Greenwood Field.
The Bulldogs (8-6-0, 4-1-0 BSC) got goals from four different players to beat the Panthers (4-10-1, 0-4-1 BSC) for the first time since they joined the Big South Conference three years ago. UNC Asheville led 1-0 at the half, despite being outshot 10-5. The Bulldogs then put the game away with two goals early in the second half.
Asheville is currently tied for first place in the Big South with Liberty at 4-1. Wins by the Bulldogs in their final two regular season games at Charleston Southern and Elon would give Asheville first place and the top seed in the Big South Conferenc tournament. UNCA was the preseason pick to finish last place in the conference.
The Bulldogs jumped in front, 1-0 at the 31:18 mark when Mick Kachan scored his team-leading eigth goal of the season. He hit a shot from 15 yards off a pass from Greg Garrison and Colin Barnes.
Asheville controlled play at the start of the second half and scored two quick goals to lead 3-0. Barnes scored at the 55:20 mark when he tapped in a rebound. Defender Kyle Britton picked up his second goal of the yar when he took a loose ball and dribbled 20 yards and connected from 15 yards for a 3-0 lead. J.J. Dore scored at the 87:59 mark off a pass from Matt Jacobs to complete the scoring.
"We got a result today, despite not playing very well in the first half," stated Bulldog coach Steve Cornish. "However, we found a way to finish when we had our opportunities and that's always encouraging to see. We beat a High Point team that's had some good results this year but has been unlucky recently. They (High Point) really took it to us in the first half before we settled down in the second half." Cornish is not worried about first place right now.
"Right now, we're worried about Charleston Southern," admitted Cornish. "I'm pleased with our lads and the season we're having but there's a lot of soccer left. Obviously, I'm happy that we're battling for first place but we have two very tough games left on the road before we get to the tournament."
The shutout went to junior goalkeeper Andrew Heath, who made six saves, all in the first half. It was Heath's ninth career shutout and put him in third place on the school's all-time list.
