The High Point University men's soccer team dropped the Big South Conference opener tonight at home against Radford, 3-1. The Panthers drop to 0-3-0 (0-1, Big South) on the season while the Highlanders improve to 2-0-0 (1-0, Big South).

Junior Chris Archer scored the lone Panther goal unassisted in the 28th minute. The shot came off of a straight-on foul kick that ricocheted off of the left post and into the goal. That marks Archer's first goal of the season.

"We are putting the ball into the danger zone," said High Point head coach Peter Broadley. "Tonight we had six shots on goal while Radford had seven, so we are getting as many opportunities as our opponents. We just need to work on cleaning up the finish and that will come with patience and hard work."

Radford's Ramon Negron turned a hat trick tonight, scoring all three of the Highlanders' goals. The first one was unassisted and came just four minutes into the contest. The second one at the 35 minute mark off of double assists from Devan Cooley and Patrick Colas. Negron's third goal was a header in the second half at the 73 minute point off of an assist from Andres Hernandez.

On goal for High Point was freshman Adam Ross who had three saves while Radford's Omar Zinoveev had four saves in the win.

"Our defense isn't where it needs to be at this point in the season," Broadley said. "If our defense can improve then our offense will fall in-line behind. The key now is to continue to work hard and keep the team's spirits up."

High Point will next travel to Elon on Saturday to do battle with the Phoenix. Game time is set for 4 p.m.