HPU Men’s Soccer Secures Big South Title with Gardner-Webb Shutout
The No. 8 High Point University (HPU) men’s soccer team secured the Big South regular-season title by defeating Gardner-Webb University 3-0 on Saturday night. This victory marked HPU’s third consecutive championship in the conference. The game took place at Greene-Harbison Stadium in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Time and Date: October 25, 2025
- Final Score: High Point 3, Gardner-Webb 0
- Standings: HPU improved to 10 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws (10-1-3, 6-0-0), while Gardner-Webb fell to 11-2-2, with a conference record of 4-1-1.
- Location: Greene-Harbison Stadium
Game Overview
The Panthers took an early lead in the 21st minute with a stunning free kick from Lukas Kamrath. Positioning himself near midfield, Kamrath caught the Gardner-Webb goalkeeper off guard, scoring his second goal of the season to make it 1-0.
As the first half closed, a penalty opportunity arose for Gardner-Webb. HPU goalkeeper Josh Caron expertly saved the attempt, preserving the Panthers’ 1-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Daniel Lugo extended HPU’s lead to 2-0 with a goal in the 55th minute. Lugo, the conference’s leading scorer, found the net with a precise shot following a pass from Alfred Baafi. This marked Lugo’s ninth goal of the season.
The victory was further solidified in the 74th minute when Jefferson Amaya scored from a free kick, capping the game at 3-0.
Defensive Excellence
Josh Caron made significant contributions, finishing the match with six saves. This performance earned him his seventh clean sheet of the season and extended his streak of consecutive shutouts in conference play to five. He has only allowed one goal against Big South opponents so far this season.
Upcoming Matches
High Point University, now the No. 1 seed in the Big South Tournament, has automatically advanced to the semifinals. They will enjoy home-field advantage at Vert Stadium, where the semifinals are scheduled for November 9.
Next, HPU will play against Davidson College on October 28 at 7 p.m. in Davidson, North Carolina.
Statistics at a Glance
| Statistic | High Point | Gardner-Webb |
|---|---|---|
| Corners | 7 | 5 |
| Total Shots | 8 | 12 |
| Shots on Goal | 6 | 5 |
HPU continues to demonstrate their strength in the Big South Conference, as they remain undefeated in conference play and enhance their historical record against Gardner-Webb to 16 wins, 3 losses, and 6 draws.
