RADFORD, Va. – Junior midfielder Kevin Habibelahy scored his first goal as a Highlander, but it wasn't enough as the Radford men's soccer team fell, 2-1, to Queens (N.C.) Tuesday night at Cupp Stadium.
 
KEY STATS 

• The Highlanders outshot Queens in tonight's match. The Highlanders would record 21 shots compared to Queens 12. 

• Despite the numerous shots taken by both sides, only seven corners in total were taken by the two squads. 

• The Highlanders' 21 shots came from eight different players. Kevin Habibelahy and Dax Booth led the way for Radford with four apiece.

  
PLAY BY PLAY 

    Kevin Habibelahy would get the Highlanders off to a quick start in the early stages of tonight's fixture, recording two shots within the first five minutes, but was unable to come away with the early lead for Radford. The Highlanders would continue to add pressure in the attacking half, creating multiple chances at goal but the Queens defense held on, keeping the scoreline at 0-0.

    However, in the 34th minute the Royals would break through first with a header that would come off a corner and see Queens take the 1-0 lead heading into the half.

    In the second, Habibelahy would come through with a well-placed shot at the 51-minute mark to tie this one back up with the assist coming from Dax Booth. Queens would regain their lead, scoring in the dying minutes of the match through a set piece that would see the Royals' attacker head it past keeper Alex Eydelman and finish this one out with a final score of 2-1 in favor of Queens. 

NOTABLES 

• Kevin Habibelahy recorded his first goal as a Highlander in tonight's fixture.

• Dax Booth would record his first career assist
   

HEAD COACH BARRETT QUOTABLE 

"Once again, we played well and created enough chances to win the game. I was really happy with how we built attacks tonight and did everything but put the finishing touch on numerous opportunities. I am really proud of how hard these guys have continued to work and improve together. We have to keep our heads high and stay positive as we enter conference play this weekend at Gardner Webb." - Chris Barrett 

 
AROUND THE BIG SOUTH 

• USC Upstate dropped their fixture against North Florida with a final score of 3-2 

  
UP NEXT 
The Highlanders will hit the road to Gardner-Webb to Boiling Springs, N.C. To begin conference play on Saturday, September 21st. That matchup is set for a 7 PM start time and will be streamed on ESPN+ 

FOLLOW RADFORD MEN'S SOCCER 
For more information on the Radford men's soccer team, follow @RadfordMSOC on X and Instagram or Radford Men's Soccer on Facebook.