High Point MSOC Draws with Appalachian State, 0-0

• HPU played its fifth overtime game of the season, needing extra time for the fourth time in its last five games, before ultimately drawing 0-0.
• The Panthers did not allow a shot on goal to the Mountaineers, doing so for the first time since Aug. 28, 2015 vs UNCW.
• High Point returns to Vert Stadium on Wednesday for its Big South home opener vs Campbell at 7:30 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. – The High Point University men’s soccer team showcased its strong defense in a 0-0 tie with Appalachian State on Saturday night at Appalachian Soccer Stadium. The game was the last road non-conference game for HPU this season.

“App State is a well-coached and organized team,” head coach EJ O’Keeffe said. “When we were dynamic and moving the ball, I thought we were quite good. When we didn’t do that, we were careless with the ball and left ourselves vulnerable. I look forward to fine tuning things as we head into a big conference game against Campbell on Wednesday.”

High Point (3-3-3) was slow to start offensively, not recording its first shot until sophomore Jonathan Bolanos put one on net in the 31st minute. The shot opened the floodgates for HPU’s offense, as the team recorded four shots in the next eight minutes. Defensively, the Panthers were stifling, holding the Mountaineers (3-5-2) to just one shot in the first half.

Things remained much of the same in the second half as App needed a team save in the 48th minute to prevent a go-ahead goal. High Point’s continuous pressure led to multiple chances, evidenced by seven corner kicks in the second half. However, the Mountaineers were able to stop every Panther opportunity. Sophomore Ryan Inman led High Point with five shots, followed by Bolanos’ four.

HPU recorded all three shots in the first overtime, eventually outshooting App State 3-1 past regulation. Throughout the night, High Point held an 11-5 edge in shots and recorded the only two shots on net in the match. It marked the first time since Aug. 28, 2015 against UNCW that the Panthers held an opponent without a shot on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Keegan Meyer saw his shutout streak extend to 200:00 over the last two matches.

The Panthers now return to Vert Stadium for their first home Big South match on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. against Campbell. The game is the back end of a doubleheader with women’s soccer, who will kick off at 5 p.m. against Charleston Southern.