HIGH POINT, N.C. – High Point came into Saturday night ranked 25^th in the nation in the latest United Soccer Coaches Association poll and showcased why by taking down Longwood 5-1.
 
The Panthers (9-1, 7-0 Big South) clinched the Big South title behind an offensive attack that came into the match ranked fourth in the nation in goals per game.
 
That relentless offensive attack handed a hard-fighting Longwood squad (2-6-1, 1-5-1) its first multi-goal loss of the season, as High Point outshot Longwood 27-5, with 14 of those shots on frame.

"The gap was quite clear tonight, and that should give a taste of the necessary steps we need to take to improve," said Longwood head coach Jon Atkinson. "There is no shame to lose to a better team, it is just important we give our best effort, and that is something we didn't do."
 
The Panthers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute off a goal by Alex Abril and never looked back, with Sebastian Chalbaud punching home a pair of first half goals as well. He added an assist after halftime, and MD Myers, the nation's third-leading goal-scorer, added a goal to move into a tie for second with his 11^th goal of the 2021 campaign.
 
For Longwood, Mason Butcher ripped home a free kick for his first collegiate goal in the 68^th minute. He had one of Longwood's five shots, all of which were on goal.

"Fair play to High Point, they are a talented team and deserve their conference title," Atkinson said. "They are arguably the best team we have played all year. Even though we got bossed tonight, we shouldn't lose sight of hte progress we have made all season. It's important now that we redeem ourselves and celebrate the seniors, sending them out the best way possible in our last match of the season. 
 
The Lancers will close out the regular season on Thursday, April 8 with a matchup with in-state rival Radford for senior night. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at the Longwood Athletic Complex.
 
#GoWood