University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
3-5-1, 3-4-1
High Point
11-1-0, 8-0-0
Men’s soccer falls in Big South Semifinal at nationally-ranked High Point
04.14.2021 | Men's Soccer
Bulldogs force overtime, downed 1-0 in 92nd
HIGH POINT, N.C. – It took a near superhuman effort to score on the UNC Asheville men's soccer team and Leon Musial on Wednesday night, as the Bulldogs battled the nationally-ranked High Point Panthers to overtime where the No. 1 seed would ultimately get a left-footed, upper-90 rocket from Mason Marcy to advance High Point to the Big South Championship game.
"Absolutely heartbroken for these guys," said Head Coach Mick Giordano of his team's effort. "They gave everything and more tonight. Delivered on the game plan and stuck together. I haven't seen a team work so hard and be so brave in a long time. Truly we could not be more proud of them and everything they have accomplished this spring."
The Panthers, who entered the game ranked No. 14 by Top Drawer Soccer and Top No. 24 in the College Soccer News Poll, outshot Asheville 16-4 in the match, but Musial came up with three huge saves and the Bulldog defense blocked a number of opportunities to keep the score 0-0 after 90 minutes. High Point carried the momentum into overtime however, as Marcy found the back of the net less than two minutes in to send the Panthers to Saturday's final.
A run to Remember
Although Asheville finishes the season 3-5-1, the Bulldogs had one of their better seasons in recent memory, earning a trip to the Big South Tournament for the first time since 2016. Additionally, because of this year's format due to COVID-19 (only four teams qualified), Wednesday's appearance in the Big South Semifinal was the program's first since 2008.
"We have work to do and we will adjust while getting better," said Giordano. "That display tonight though is what this program must be about: bravery, stout, and forward thinking. These players deserve absolutely all the credit in the world."
Notable Numbers
· Asheville's first trip to Big South Semifinals since 2008, first tournament appearance since 2016
· Bulldogs hold High Point offense – which averages 3.09 goals per game (2nd, Division I), to just one score
· Musial registers three saves
· Bulldogs put four shots on frame
How it Happened
Conor Behan got a chance early as the ball was flicked into the box but Holden Trent cut down the opportunity. Twenty-one minutes in High Point swung in a free kick but MD Myers headed one just over the crossbar. With just over 14 minutes remaining in the first, the Panthers got a corner that was snagged by Musial. With less than four minutes to play, High Point took a rip from the top of the box that Behan blocked. High Point had a couple more corners and a free kick, but Musial and company went into the break scoreless.
The Panthers got early opportunities in the second, curling a chance wide just nine minutes in. Minutes later, Izzy Garcia drew a foul to the outside left of the box and Behan made Trent lay out for a save. On the next High Point corner, Musial leapt to his right and tipped a header just wide to keep the score 0-0. High Point continued to press as Sebastian Chalbaud ripped a shot just wide. The Panthers would send another corner high and the Bulldog defense blocked a trio of shots and with under three minutes Musial came up with another spectacular diving save to his left to force overtime.
High Point wasted little time capitalizing in the first overtime as Marcy found himself at the top of the box with defenders all around, but was able to fire the shot home for the win.
"Hats off to a top-notch High Point team, said Giordano. "They are the real deal and their staff is one of the best in the entire country. We wish them all the best."
Team Stats
Mason Marcey (2)
Assisted By: Nick Phipps
GOAL by HPU Marcey, Mason Assist by Phipps, Nick.
91:26
