HIGH POINT, N.C. — For the second straight season, the High Point University women's soccer team clawed past Triad rival UNC Greensboro in identical and impressive fashion behind a 1-0 win.
SITE: Vert Stadium
SCORE: High Point 1, UNC Greensboro 0
RECORDS: High Point (2-4), UNCG (1-3-1)
Head Coach Aaron McGuiness: "It's always nice to win a game, but when it's a close cross-town rival, it's a little bit more special for sure. The team did a great job. The first 20 minutes were a little flat and we got away with it, and then on, we picked up the tempo and locked it down defensively. We started to get more opportunities, and we were fortunate in the first half there for that corner to go in. We have a really good group of players and when we ask something of them, they really focus on trying to execute it to the best of their ability."
Meg Roden was the hero this year as she netted an olimpico in the 37th minute to put the Panthers ahead for good. It was the Australian's lone shot on goal via one of HPU's six corners.
Not only was it her first goal of the season but it was sophomore midfielder's first collegiate goal in front of her parents, Andrew and Sophie, who flew to the United States to watch their daughter play two games.
"I've been away from them for a long time and for them to see my life over here and have a special goal for them as well," Roden said, "it was awesome. I'm glad they were able to see that."
Roden's olimpico ignited the team as the Panthers headed into halftime with the lead and didn't let up. HPU limited the Spartans to four shots in the final 45 minutes, while ripping six of their own with many that came close to slipping through.
Ellie Hammer,
Sabba Haghgoo and
Megan Garmey all had shots, keeping the pressure on UNCG, while the defense held strong for their second shutout this season.
Aubrey McKessy registered her second clean sheet behind four saves; meanwhile,
Alex DePerno and
Ella Vaughn blocked shots and helped limit any real momentum from the Spartans.
Up Next: The Panthers head to UNC Wilmington for a Sunday Showdown on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m.
