High Point Women Fall 1-0 to USC Upstate After Late Goal at Vert Stadium

HIGH POINT, N.C. — High Point University’s women’s soccer team was within minutes of earning a result against a strong USC Upstate side Saturday evening before the Spartans scored late to claim a 1-0 victory at Vert Stadium. The match remained scoreless for most of the night despite chances at both ends and difficult weather conditions.

High Point goalkeeper Nylah Mirshafiei made an early save just over six minutes into the match, then continued to keep the Panthers level. The home side created opportunities of its own before halftime. Sabba Haghgoo tested the Spartans’ goalkeeper with a low effort, and Abbie Zubrzycki produced another shot on target in the closing minute of the opening period.

The second half featured more High Point attacking pressure. Haghgoo had a shot blocked, and Morgan Wilcox, Chloe Edwards and Zubrzycki were involved as the Panthers sought a breakthrough. High Point finished with nine total shots, including five on goal, but could not turn those opportunities into a score.

USC Upstate finally broke the deadlock with just over five minutes remaining. The Panthers pushed for a response but ran out of time. Mirshafiei played all 90 minutes and recorded five saves, helping prevent the visitors from building a larger margin.

The result left High Point 3-8-1 overall and 2-2 in Big South play, while the visiting Spartans remained unbeaten in conference competition. High Point coach Aaron McGuiness said he was disappointed with the outcome but proud of the team’s performance, describing the contest as one that could have gone either way.

For the Panthers, the match highlighted both progress and the importance of finishing chances. The defense held a capable opponent scoreless for most of the evening, and the attack generated opportunities, but one late concession proved decisive. High Point will try to convert that competitive performance into points as conference play continues.