RADFORD – Radford netted a 75th minute equalizer, while down a man, and played to a 1-1 double-overtime tie with High Point on Monday night in Big South men's soccer at Cupp Stadium.

After a red card was issued to the Highlanders (4-7-3, 1-3-3 Big South) in the 64th minute, Radford had to fight an uphill battle the rest of the way, already trailing 1-0.

Playing with 10 men, Radford got the spark it needed when sophomore Iyiola Awosika's (London, England/Aylesbury Grammar) shot was knocked down by High Point goalkeeper Michael Chesler and in the direction of freshman Brian Gwanzura (Harare, Zimbabwe/Harare), who buried the rebound, tying the match.

“After a lackluster first half, the red card inspired us a little more,” head coach Spencer Smith said.  “We created some chances and opportunities, and got the goal.

“To be a man down, playing a quality team like High Point, and then getting the equalizer is a real tribute to our guys.”

Gwanzura's goal was his third of the season, coming in a second half where Radford fired 10 shots to High Point's four.

“We talked about that at halftime,” he said.  “I didn't feel like we were showing any urgency on our attack, or getting guys into the box.  

And following through on Smith's season-long focus of creating chances in tight, was Gwanzura.

“I said 'if we're gonna score tonight, it's gonna be in that six-yard box,' so credit Brian to following up on a great shot by Iyiola.”

The Panthers (8-5-2, 4-1-2) took a first half lead on Stephen Clowes' 12th minute goal, created when Shawn Sloan beat several Radford defenders before finding Clowes in the middle of the box for the open look.

In the overtime periods, High Point controlled the bulk of possession, and outshot Radford 8-2, including a pair of shots in the second overtime that drew pipe.  

“At that point, we were just trying to hold on,” Smith said, with his Highlanders never having been in that situation this season.  “Our legs weren't there, and we just hung on, cleared balls, and it was a matter of will and determination.”

Radford closes out regular season play on Saturday with a 7 p.m. game at Coastal Carolina.