After opening the season with three straight victories, High Point's men's soccer team suffered its first loss of the year Sunday, a 2-1 setback to Canisius on the final day of the Niagara Falls Classic on the Niagara campus in Lewiston, N.Y.

Brindon Hall scored in the 78th minute for the Panthers, who drop to 3-1-0 on the season. The Golden Griffins improve to 1-4-0.

The Panthers were unable to remain unbeaten despite holding advantages in shots (21-17), shots on goal (10-8) and corner kicks (5-3).

"I think this was a good performance for us, even though we didn't win the game," High Point head coach Peter Broadley said. "I was pleased with the team's effort. It was another hard-fought, physical battle."

The teams fought to a scoreless tie before halftime. The Panthers controlled play in the opening stanza but were unable to break through. "We had several good chances, but we couldn't put the ball in the net," Broadley said.

Canisius drew first blood in the 64th minute, taking a 1-0 lead on a Chris Robey goal. The Golden Griffins increased their cushion to 2-0 on a Brian Brehm tally off a Robey assist in the 73rd minute before Hall beat Canisius keeper Adam Sleyzak for an unassisted score in the 78th minute.

High Point turned up the pressure at the end but was unable to secure an equalizer.

Matt Long made five saves in goal for HPU. Chris Archer and Richard Hanson led the Panthers with five and four shots, respectively.

"We had two tough games up here [including a 2-1 win over Niagara on Saturday]," Broadley said. "Hopefully we can bounce back on our own field on Wednesday against Appalachian State."

Archer and Hanson were both named to the All-Tournament team.

Kickoff between the Panthers and Mountaineers is set for 7:00 pm Wednesday at Albion Millis Stadium.