Francis’ Early Strike Gives Men’s Soccer 1-1 Draw against High Point
HIGH POINT, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro men’s soccer (5-2-6) team split the points in this year’s edition of the Piedmont Triad Derby, drawing 1-1 with (RV) High Point (10-3-2) at Vert Stadium Tuesday night.
A lightning-fast goal from Keaviano Francis was canceled out by a first-half answer from the Panthers in what was a contested match throughout. The Spartans weathering a High Point offense that entered the night ranked ninth in scoring offense among all Division I sides.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Francis was on the board for his seventh goal of the season just three minutes into the game, volleying home from close range to put away a cross from Trym Linberg.
The Spartan defense kept a dangerous High Point attack from getting an effort on target for the first 20 minutes, but the home side would find an equalizer in the 25th minute. Both teams scored with their respective first shots on goal of the night.
The two goals proved to be the lone shots on target over the first half, both teams pushing but unable to find any kind of further breakthrough before the end of the first 45 minutes.
High Point was the team to find light in the opposing defense first in the second half. Seth Wilson produced a pair of massive saves in the 54th and 68th minutes, sprawling out past the hour mark to shut down a rebound that cannoned off the post to a nearby Panther.
UNCG took back momentum late, but the Blue & Gold were unable to test the Panthers with an attempt on goal until the dying seconds.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
Francis’ tally takes him to 16 points on the season, continuing to extend career-highs so far in both points and goals.
UNCG’s opener was the fastest goal scored by the team so far in 2026.
Linberg’s assist ties him with Lasse Dahl for most on the side, with four.
Wilson finished the night with three stops, all coming in the second half.
High Point won the battle in shots, 15-4, but was only able to put four on target during the night.
UP NEXT
The Spartans play their final regular season road game of the year, returning to SoCon play by heading to Spartanburg, South Carolina, and taking on Wofford on Saturday, Oct. 24. Kickoff from Snyder Field is slated for 6:00 p.m. on ESPN+.
Davis Fields
Strategic Communications Coordinator
UNC Greensboro