CLINTON, S.C. – A second half goal from the visiting High Point Panthers proved enough to edge the Presbyterian College men's soccer team on Senior Night on Saturday evening, 1-0.
High Point (12-3-2, 5-2-2 Big South) used a goal from Mamadee Nyepon in the 67th minute to get past PC (3-14-0, 2-6-0).
The Blue Hose next head to Gardner-Webb for a Halloween matchup on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
PC honored departing players Jonny Mercado (Lilburn, Ga.), Byron Quinatoa (Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador), Newt Turk (Cornelia, Ga.) and Oliver Nobels (Columbia, S.C.) as well as manager Chris Paschal at halftime of the contest.
Goalkeeper Tyler Beadle (Douglasville, Ga.) made five saves on the night. Nico Fazio (Roswell, Ga.) and Justin Clagette (Douglasville, Ga.) each posted a shot on goal for the Blue Hose.
Both teams created a number of solid chances but the Panthers were able to break through. In the 67th minute, High Point reserve Ben Burdon found Nyepon on a cross in the box and the sophomore did the rest, firing a shot in for his 10th of the season.
One of PC's best opportunities came in the first half as Fazio nearly finished a clever cross from Ignacio Monchetti (Montevideo, Uruguay), only to see the shot skitter wide right.
Josh Carter (Anchorage, Alaska) stretched the High Point back line with his speed all night, coming close to converting on his two shots. Mercado also impressed in the effort, playing thoughtful balls to teammates while working to slow down the High Point attack.
PC tallied 13 shots on the night to High Point's 18, including eight in the second half.
Turk, Quinatoa, Mercado, Brett Godwin (Suwanee, Ga.), Matt Manter (Columbia, S.C.) and Tommy Erwood (Leawood, Kan.) displayed marathon efforts on Saturday, playing all 90 minutes of action.
