BOX SCORE

HIGH POINT, N.C. – High Point's lone shot on goal proved the be the difference as the top-seeded Panthers held off fifth-seeded Radford, 1-0, in the semifinals of the 2010 Big South Men's Soccer Tournament Friday evening at Vert Stadium.

“It was a very close, very competitive semifinal,” said Radford head coach Marc Reeves. “We battled hard against a strong High Point team. It's unfortunate not to advance, however, I am proud of our effort.”

Despite the season-ending setback, Radford (7-9-3) finished with a 12-11 edge in shots, including a 5-1 margin on frame.

The Highlanders had a great chance to grab the early lead in the 12th minute, when Iyiola Awosika (London, England / Aylesbury Grammar) played the ball ahead to Brian Gwanzura (Harare, Zimbabwe / Harare), who missed just wide on his one-on-one with the High Point (16-3-1) keeper, Michael Chester.

Fejiro Okiomah put the Panthers in front at the 16:33 mark with his 12th goal of the season. Fellow all-conference selection Shawn Sloan set up Okiomah's eventual game-winner.

Radford had a pair of good scoring opportunities in the second half. The first was a free kick from just outside the box by Mike Handlin (Opal, Va. / Liberty-Bealeton), which Chester made an impressive diving save on to his left to keep the Highlanders off the board.

Freshman Bernardo Ulmo (Sao Paulo, Brazil / South Kent) also had a good look for Radford in the 80th minute that also missed wide.

“We are very thankful for our seniors for all their effort this and prior seasons. They are exceptional young men who I know will be successful and always part of the RU Soccer Family. We will take a moment to get healthy, then be back working hard on a daily basis to drive this program forward.”

The host Panthers will take on second-seeded Coastal Carolina in Sunday's championship.