RADFORD, VIRGINIA - Prosper Adagani needed just 53 minutes to write the story of High Point's 2-0 victory over Radford, slotting home his second goal of the match before a crowd of 842 fans at Patrick D. Cupp Stadium. Adagani's opener, assisted by Chris Niblock and Roman Holt, set the tone for a defensive battle that the Panthers controlled from start to finish.
The early going saw both teams feeling each other out, with Radford struggling to create clear chances against High Point's organized defense. The Highlanders managed just one shot on target through the first 30 minutes, with High Point's goalkeeper making a crucial save on a 17th-minute effort from Radford's Jake Thompson. As the half wore on, High Point began to assert their dominance, outshooting Radford 8-3 through the first 45 minutes.
The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when Adagani latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Chris Niblock, who had collected a pass from Roman Holt, to slot home his first goal. The score remained 1-0 until the 62nd minute when Adagani doubled High Point's lead, this time assisted by Desmond Mensah and Jefferson Amaya. The second goal effectively ended any Radford hopes of a comeback, as High Point marshaled their defense to protect their lead.
Throughout the match, High Point's defensive prowess was on full display, with their backline stifling Radford's attacking efforts. The Highlanders managed just seven shot attempts across 90 minutes, with only two finding the target—a stark contrast to High Point's 18 attempts and nine shots on goal. High Point's control was further evident in the corner kick battle, where they edged Radford 6-2.
The statistical ledger reveals a tale of two teams on opposite trajectories. High Point outshot Radford 18-7 overall and held a commanding 9-2 advantage in shots on target. Their goalkeeper made two saves, while Radford's goalkeeper made seven saves, including several crucial stops to limit the damage. The Panthers' victory was built on their ability to capitalize on their chances, with Adagani's clinical finishing proving decisive.
For High Point, the win represents their second consecutive victory and improves their record to 9-1-3 overall and 5-0 in conference play. The Panthers will look to keep their winning streak alive when they face Gardner-Webb next. The victory also highlights the team's defensive strength, with their backline marshaling effectively against Radford's attacks.
For Radford, the loss extends their losing streak to two games and drops their record to 2-8-3 overall and 1-3-1 in conference play. The Highlanders will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face California next. The match exposed Radford's offensive deficiencies, with the team struggling to create clear chances against High Point's organized defense.
The afternoon belonged to High Point—and specifically to Prosper Adagani, whose two goals sealed the victory. As the Panthers look to continue their winning ways, Radford will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find a way to break through against stronger opponents.
Key Players:
Prosper Adagani (High Point) – The match-winner showed clinical finishing, slotting home both of High Point's goals with composure that settled his team's nerves.
Chris Niblock (High Point) – Orchestrated High Point's attack with intelligent distribution, providing the assist on Adagani's first goal and creating multiple scoring chances throughout the match.
Roman Holt (High Point) – Contributed to High Point's attacking threat, providing the initial pass that led to Adagani's first goal and creating space for his teammates to operate.
Jake Thompson (Radford) – Showed flashes of brilliance for Radford, creating Radford's best chance of the match with a 17th-minute effort that was saved by High Point's goalkeeper.