Adagani Brace Propels Panthers to Dominant Fifth Consecutive Conference Victory
In a historical moment for the High Point University men’s soccer team, they became the first squad from the Big South Conference to reach the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Committee’s Top 16, securing the seventh position. This recognition came just before their match against Radford University, which the 11th-ranked Panthers won 2-0, extending their impressive 11-game winning streak.
Match Overview
The game took place on Saturday afternoon at Cupp Memorial Field. High Point’s victory improved their record to 9 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws in the season, while Radford fell to 2 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws.
Key Players and Goals
Prosper Adagani was instrumental in the Panthers’ win, scoring both goals in the second half. The following highlights the match details:
- Final Score: High Point 2, Radford 0
- High Point Record: 9-1-3 (5-0-0 in conference)
- Radford Record: 2-8-3 (1-3-1 in conference)
Head Coach Zach Haines praised the team’s approach, emphasizing their confidence and determination throughout the match. Despite facing challenges early on, the Panthers maintained composure and created numerous scoring opportunities, with eight total shots and three on target in the first half.
Defensive Performance
The Panthers’ defense displayed excellent organization, limiting Radford to just two total shots, with none hitting the target. High Point’s second half was more productive, as they managed to take 10 additional shots and secured six corner kicks.
Scoring Breakdown
The first goal came in the 53rd minute, initiated by a well-placed pass from Roman Holt to Chris Niblock. Niblock crossed the ball into the box where Adagani scored his fifth goal of the season. Ten minutes later, Adagani completed his brace, receiving an assist from Desmond Mensah, marking both players’ significant contributions.
Future Prospects
With this fifth consecutive win in the Big South Conference, High Point leads with 15 points, two ahead of Gardner-Webb. They will face Gardner-Webb next on October 25, marking another crucial match for their season.
The performance against Radford is a testament to the Panthers’ determination as they aim to maintain their momentum throughout the conference.
