HPU men’s soccer shuts out No. 25 Radford in 1-0 win

• High Point earned a 1-0 win over No. 25 Radford on Saturday night at Vert Stadium.
• The Panthers moved into a tie for first in the Big South with the victory.
• Freshman Jon Bolanos scored the only goal of the match, his fourth of the season for HPU.

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point University men’s soccer team picked up a critical 1-0 win over No. 25 Radford on Saturday night at Vert Stadium. Freshman Jon Bolanos got the lone goal of the contest for the Panthers.

“I thought it was an organized and concerted effort from all 11 guys on the field tonight,” head coach EJ O’Keeffe said. “Radford is a fantastic opponent and we knew this game was going to be a tough test. We rose to the challenge and played our most complete game.”

With the win, High Point improves to 10-2-3 overall and 4-1-0 in the Big South. The Panthers move into a share of first place along with Radford and Presbyterian College. Radford drops to 10-3-1 overall and 4-1-0 in the conference.

High Point pressed for a goal early and was rewarded in the 19th minute with a goal by Bolanos to put HPU in front, 1-0. The midfielder was released on a counter-attack by freshman Siggi Benonysson and dribbled to the edge of the box before chipping the Highlander keeper for his fourth goal of the season.

The Panther defense remained resolute in the second half as Radford sent wave after wave of attackers looking for an equalizer. After putting up just one shot in the first half, RU had 11 in the second half. Redshirt-freshman Keegan Meyer had four saves on the night to earn the win and his fourth shutout of the season.

HPU and the Highlanders both finished with 12 shots on the night with Radford putting four on frame compared to three for the Panthers.

High Point continues its Big South slate with a road game at Liberty on Wednesday, Oct. 26, in Lynchburg, Va. Kickoff for the game is set for 4 p.m.