Box Score

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Karo Okiomah’s penalty kick in the 82nd minute of action proved the difference as the High Point Panthers pulled out a 1-0 victory against the visiting Elon Phoenix at Vert Stadium in front of over 1,500 fans in the season-opener for both teams.

"This was another highly fought college soccer match," commented Elon head coach Darren Powell. "I thought we put some good sequences together and the late penalty was unfortunate. High Point made the most of their opportunity. We have to regroup tomorrow and get ready to play a very good Charlotte team on Saturday."

After a slow start, Elon gained much of the momentum in the final half but could not find the back of the net. With under 10 minutes to play, an inadvertent hand ball in the box awarded the Panthers a penalty kick. Phoenix goalkeeper Clint Irwin got a hand on Okiomah’s shot, but the ball bounced off the bottom of the crossbar and fell into the goal. The shot was High Point’s lone attempt of the second half.

Phoenix sophomore Chris Thomas had a chance immediately after High Point took the lead, but goalie Michael Chesler made a great save to secure the Panther victory.

High Point got off to a quick start with several opportunities in the first part of the contest. In the 12th minute of action, Panther forward Shane Macolm rocketed a shot off the crossbar and minutes later Karo Okiomah’s shot hit the side of the net.

Elon managed to stave off the attack and made some adjustments as the half wore on. With just under 20 minutes to play before the break, Thomas took a ball from a streaking James Carroll in the midfield but his shot went just wide of the far post.

In the 36th minute, Thomas had another opportunity for the Phoenix. Senior Ben Lunka crossed the ball from his position out wide and midfielder Brad Franks headed it forward into the box for Thomas. The forward turned for the short shot but Chesler was there to block it away.

After being outshot 7-2 in the first 45 minutes, Elon dominated possession in the final half. The Phoenix got good pressure on goal off early corner kicks and strong crosses from the foot of rookie Daniel Lovitz. Sophomore Gabe Latigue nearly put Elon on top in the 52nd minute but his blistering shot went just wide. Thomas, who had five the Phoenix’s six shots, also left one wide with under 20 minutes remaining.

Elon owned a 7-3 edge in corner kicks while High Point finished with an 8-6 advantage in shots. The foul count totaled 24.

The Phoenix remains on the road as it travels to Charlotte to face the 49ers on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.