BOX SCORE

HIGH POINT, N.C. – In a battle of the only remaining unbeaten teams in Big South play, Radford fell to High Point 2-1 in men's soccer action Wednesday evening at Vert Stadium.

The setback drops the Highlanders to 5-4-2 overall and 3-1-0 in the league, while High Point, which entered 44th in the latest RPI, improves to 9-2-1 and 4-0-0.

“High Point is an athletic and well-coached team,” said Radford head coach Marc Reeves. “We needed to take the chances we had and defend better at key moments to win this game.”

Despite the loss, Radford finished with a 12-11 edge shots, including an 8-6 advantage on goal.

Shortly after the Panthers went a man down (28:11), Mike Handlin (Opal, Va. / Liberty-Bealeton) gave the Highlanders a 1-0 lead with his fourth strike of the 2010 season. The game's first goal came in the 38th minute when the senior went far post from the left side off a pass from fellow midfielder Luis Grande (Caracas, Venezuela / U.E. Colegio Los Arcos).

The assist was Grande's third of the year, which ties him for the team lead with three others.

Both teams attempted four shots in the opening half, but it was the Highlanders with the better scoring chances putting three on frame.

Radford had a great opportunity to extend its lead in the 52nd minute when Handlin sent a cross into the box from the left side to a cutting Iyiola Awosika (London, England / Aylesbury Grammar), who just missed wide right.

Shawn Sloan tied the game at a goal a piece in the 60th minute on a shot from about 15 yards out.

Just 10 minutes after Sloan netted his fourth goal of the year, High Point's Shane Malcolm stopped a Highlander clearance at the edge of the 18-yard box and put away the game-winner.

The Highlanders had a number of looks at equalizers late, but were unable to capitalize.

Radford had Panthers' goalkeeper Michael Chesler on his toes all night forcing him to make seven saves.

“We must ensure we have a response from the group to get back on track in the league and against some quality non-conference opponents on our remaining schedule.”

The Highlanders return home Saturday for a 6 p.m. contest against Winthrop at Cupp Stadium.