ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The High Point University women's soccer team fell to UNC Asheville, 1-0, in a hard-fought Saturday afternoon match against the Bulldogs.
Head Coach Aaron McGuiness: "We had a lot of possession and weren't able to capitalize on our opportunities. Full credit to UNC Asheville, the team was gritty defensively and made it tough for us. In moments like these, we need to do better in capitalizing on the opportunities we do create."
SITE: Greenwood Soccer Field
SCORE: High Point 0, Asheville 1
RECORD: High Point (2-7-1, 1-1), UNC Asheville (5-3-3, 2-0)
In the first half, possession went back and forth between the two teams until the ninth minute, when Asheville's Alexandra Gibb connected with her teammates and scored the game's first goal to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead. Just minutes after Asheville took the lead, High Point recorded back-to-back shots from Morgan Wilcox and Chloe Edwards in an attempt to tie the score. Just before the 20-minute mark, junior Sabba Haghgoo took her first shot on goal of the game, followed by another shot from Edwards. The Panthers ended the half with five shots, including four on goal.
The Panthers came out strong in the second half, with Kasey Resker getting things started by taking their first shot of the half around the 60-minute mark. The Panthers' defense was a strong point in the matchup, allowing the Bulldogs only three shots on goal throughout the game.
With seven minutes remaining, Brooke Potter continued to push forward, taking her first shot on goal of the game with help from Amelia Courbron. The Panthers, however, could not find the back of the net and ultimately fell, 1-0.
Nylah Mirshafiei played the entire game for the Panthers and finished with two saves. One came on a shot toward the upper-left corner, which she leaped to tip away with her fingertips.
Up Next: The Panthers return home to Vert Stadium for a game against the Radford Highlanders. High Point will face Radford for a Big South matchup on Oct. 3 at 4 p.m.
#GoHPU x #NAKAMA
