HPU men's soccer team came back in the season opener over Elon University to post a 2-1 victory.  Karo Okiomah netted the game winner in the 30th minute to complete the come from behind win over the Phoenix.

"This is a big win for the program", said head coach Dustin Fonder.  "We have the utmost respect for Elon and their coaching staff."

Fonder was a former assistant coach for three seasons at Elon before taking over the High Point University soccer program last season.

HPU almost got on the board thirty seconds into the game but Elon goalkeeper Kyle Boerner made a great save on Okiomah.  Boerner started a counter-attack which caught the Panther defense off-guard and the visitors capitalized on.  Daniel Street beat the defender outside the 18 yard-box then played it across to Erfan Imeni who knocked it home to give Elon the early lead.

The Panthers kept the attack on throughout the contest and almost had a goal scoring opportunity as sophomore Scott Rojo served the ball into the box but the keeper came off his line to make the snag.  A few minutes later, the home team got on the board as Matt Tuttle hit a corner kick which found senior Chris Shrum who headed home the game-tying goal.  High Point took the lead on Okiomah's goal 1:01 after the Shrum equalizer.

"I want to give credit to our guys in believing in their roles and being responsible for this victory no matter how much playing time they received", Fonder stated.  "If we can keep this selfless attitude going throughout the season, we will be a tough out in the Big South tournament.  I also want to thank our great fan support tonight which was amazing and I hope it is duplicated the entire season."

Picking up the victory in net was freshman Michael Chesler.  Making his first collegiate start, the net-minder came up big for the Panthers making four saves, all of which were goal savers.  Boerner made five saves while minding the net for Elon.  The Phoenix held a 14-13 shot advantage while the Panthers had a 7-5 edge in corner kicks.

High Point hits the road to participate in the James Madison Classic next weekend playing Friday, September 5 at 5 p.m. taking on Wofford and then match-up against Mount St. Mary's on Sunday, September 7 at noon.  The Panthers return home to host Longwood at Vert Track and Soccer Stadium on Wednesday September 10.  Kick-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.