HPU men's soccer team played to a 1-1 tie with Big South rival UNC Asheville on a chilly night at Vert Track and Soccer Stadium.  The tie brings the Panthers mark to 7-6-3 and 2-2-2 in the Big South this season.

High Point nearly got on the board in the ninth minute when Chris Shrum took a free kick from 20-yards out which UNCA goalie Lassi Hurskainen made a great save on to deny the attempt.  The Panthers finally did strike at the 15:09 mark when forward Chris Shrum played a ball off to forward Karo Okiomah whose shot was able to beat Hurskainen.  The assist by Shrum now gives him seven on the season which is good enough for the conference lead.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, the lead did not last long as the Bulldogs responded 43 seconds later.  A foul call setup an UNCA free kick which was served into the box.  The High Point defense missed clear attempt on a header found Alex Morrow who headed home the equalizer.

From that point out, the High Point defense limited UNCA's chances and kept them scoreless the remaining 94 minutes.  HPU's best opportunity came with 12:30 remaining when defender Justin Pruetz set a long ball to Shrum who was able to beat the goalie, but a recovering defender had a slide tackle to keep the forward from shooting.  Shrum almost had the game-winner in the first overtime period.  A corner kick from midfielder Scott Rojo found the head of Shrum who had it on target, but a Bulldog defender on the line kept the attempt from crossing the goal line. 

In goal for HPU, Michael Chesler had three saves, while Hurskainen made three saves as well.  High Point held a 15-7 advantage in shots and 7-1 edge in corner kicks. 

"Tonight was another hard fought Big South contest," said head coach Dustin Fonder.  "I thought our energy and fight was there, but we lacked quality in the final third.  I am pleased with our group because we always play to the final whistle.  As we continue to add quality, we are going to be tough come Big South Tournament time."

The draw keeps the Panthers as the only Big South school still without a home loss on the season as they run their mark to 5-0-2 at Vert Track and Soccer Stadium.  HPU continues its season long home stand with game three Friday, October 31, when they take on the Keydets of VMI.  Kickoff is schedule for 7:00 p.m.