HPU men’s soccer wins 3-1 at Loyola (Md.)

• The Panthers broke a 1-1 tie with two goals in the final seven minutes of play
• Senior Chris Ramsell notched a career high with two goals vs. the Greyhounds
• Redshirt-freshman Bana Ganidekam added his first career score in the 89th minute

BALTIMORE – The High Point University men’s soccer team started its 2016 road schedule in style Saturday night, earning a 3-1 victory over Loyola University Maryland at Ridley Athletic Complex.

The teams were tied 1-1 after 83 minutes of action, but the Purple & White posted a pair of goals in the final seven minutes to grab the win and improve to 3-0-1 on the season. The Greyhounds fall to 1-4-0.

“This was a great win on the road against a good Loyola team,” head coach EJ O’Keeffe said. “The game was back and forth throughout and we showed great character to dig and grind out the win. We have a lot of things to clean up, but this group has a tremendous sense of togetherness and I’m very encouraged moving forward.”

Senior Chris Ramsell led the Panthers with a career-high two goals in the contest, while redshirt-freshman Bana Ganidekam added his first collegiate goal late in the second half.

The Panthers and Greyhounds each posted 11 shots and knotted up the stat sheet in corners (8-8).

Redshirt-freshman goalkeeper Keegan Meyer played a full 90 minutes for the Purple & White and made three saves.

HPU opened the scoring in the 25th minute, as Ramsell got the ball wide, took on and beat two Loyola players, then slotted the ball past Loyola goalkeeper Matt Sanchez for the goal.

Loyola gained the equalizer in the 63rd minute on a goal from Barry Sharifi.

The game remained scoreless until 84′, when the Greyhounds were called for a foul just inside the top of the box and Ramsell converted the penalty kick to regain the lead for the Panthers.

Ganidekam added his goal to provide some insurance in the 89th minute, placing a long shot into the top of the box that fond the opposite side of the goal.

HPU returns to Vert Stadium to take on the Marshall Thundering Herd (3-2-0) on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.