HPU Men’s Soccer Plays UNC-Wilmington To 0-0 Draw In Season Opener

• High Point played UNC Wilmington to a 0-0 draw to open the season on Friday night in Wilmington, N.C.
• The Panthers held Wilmington without a shot on goal throughout regulation and both overtime periods.
• Junior Chris Ramsell notched the only shot on goal for either team.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The High Point University men’s soccer team opened the 2015 season with a 0-0 draw at UNC Wilmington on Friday night in Wilmington, N.C. The Panthers held Wilmington without a shot on goal in the match.

“We were unbelievable defensively,” head coach EJ O’Keeffe. “Obviously we are early in the season and there are things we can improve on. I thought our guys showed excellent grit and toughness in grinding out the result. It was a great atmosphere with 1,500 fans out to watch the game. UNC Wilmington is an extremely well coached team so this is a great win.”

UNC Wilmington outshot HPU by a 7-4 margin on the night but the Panthers managed the lone shot on goal in the contest. The Seahawks also claimed a slim 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.

The Panthers appeared to take the lead on a header by Erien Campbell on a set piece in the 25th minute, but the goal was disallowed due to a called foul in the box and the game remained scoreless.

Junior Chris Ramsell registered the only shot on goal for either team on the night in the 55th minute when he split the center backs and got a shot from the top of the box. Unfortunately, the shot was right at the keeper for an easy save.

High Point continues its season-opening road trip on Tuesday, Sept. 2, when the team travels to Johnson City, Tenn., to take on East Tennessee State. Kickoff in the game is set for 7 p.m.