Box Score ELON, N.C. – The High Point University women's soccer team fell 2-1 against Elon University in a Sunday night matchup.
Site: Rudd Field
Score: High Point 1, Elon 2
Record: High Point (1-4-1), Elon (3-1-1)
Head Coach Aaron McGuiness: "It felt as though we didn't get off the bus and were sluggish with our movement and decision making. We talked about this at half time and needed to show character to raise our energy in the second half. Reflecting on the performance, I think the two games a week for the first three weeks, has started to catch up with us, along with the fatigue from last game. We definitely showed character in the second half and raised the level, but we can't play catch-up against teams like Elon. We have to take the game to them. Im 100% confident that we learn from this and it will make us better for conference games."
The first half started with both teams trading possession until Elon scored the first goal of the game at the 16-minute mark.
Kasey Resker kept the effort up, collecting the first shot on goal for the Panthers.
Chloe Edwards followed with a shot on goal before the first half ended, giving HPU two shots on goal at halftime.
At the start of the second half, High Point came out with intensity, creating more shot attempts and totaling 10 shots with five on goal. Resker continued her drive, recording three shots across the board. The Panthers created more opportunities by sending long balls toward the goal and putting pressure on Elon.
Ally Ruiz had one shot attempt after an interception off an Elon defender.
At the 63-minute mark, Elon was called for a handball inside the box, giving High Point a penalty kick opportunity.
Sabba Haghgoo took the shot for the Panthers and scored, securing her first career penalty kick to put HPU on the board. This brought the score to 2-1 and changed the momentum of the match.
Trailing by one, High Point fired off four shots through the final minutes of action in an attempt to tie the game. Haghoo and Rizzo each put one on frame but Elon's goalie picked up the save. HPU was unable to find the back of the net in the final stretch and fell 2-1.
Nylah Mirshafiei played another full 90-minute game for HPU, collecting four saves. She helped drive the ball to the other side with multiple full-field clears.
Up Next: High Point stays on the road, where the Panthers are pitted against the Seahawks of UNC Wilmington on Sunday, September 6 at 1:00 p.m.
#GoHPU x #NAKAMA
