COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 14 High Point University men's soccer team played its third top-15 match over a four-match span, falling 2-0 at No. 13 South Carolina on the road Monday night in the team's first meeting since 2016.
 
Site: Stone Stadium
Score: #14 High Point 0, #13 South Carolina 2
Records: High Point (2-2-1), South Carolina (5-0-0)
 
Head Coach Zach Haines: "Not our night. We are taking on big challenges and meeting adversity head on early in the season. It is by design, and we are learning exactly who we are and what the best version of this team needs to look like. Our guys showed character and togetherness tonight. The results will come when it matters most because of these strengths. We have the right people here, just need to keep getting better."
 
The Gamecocks got on the scoreboard first with a goal in the fourth minute, giving South Carolina a 1-0 advantage.
 
Josh Caron kept the Panthers within one goal after making two crucial saves. HPU created its best opportunity in the final minute of the first half when an Anthony Ramirez corner kick found Aidan Morrison, whose header was on target before the goalkeeper made the save.
 
After 45 minutes of action, the Panthers trailed 1-0. HPU tallied two shots, one attempt on goal and earned two corner kicks.
 
It was an aggressive opening eight minutes for the Panthers as they searched for an equalizer goal. The Panthers recorded four corner kicks, and while they could not capitalize on any of the opportunities, the pressure provided a promising start to the half for HPU.
 
The Panthers played a man down for the final 36 minutes of the match after a red card was called on a tackle from Kieran Smith. A minute later, South Carolina knocked in its second goal of the match to extend its lead to 2-0.

HPU totaled four shots, one on goal and recorded nine corner kicks, while Caron had three saves in goal.
 
Up Next:
The Panthers will continue their road trip in Washington, D.C. against No. 5 Georgetown on Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m.