HIGH POINT, N.C. -- The High Point University men's soccer team posted a 1-0 victory in its first exhibition match against UNC Wilmington. The match featured an unusual format, playing three 30-minute periods with eight-minute breaks in between each. 
 

Final from Vert ??#GoHPU pic.twitter.com/3dn41OvHFw

— High Point University Soccer (@HPUMSOCCER) August 14, 2022

Head coach Zach Haines stressed control of possession for the Panthers, who, aside from two shots off the crossbar from the Seahawks at the 20-minute mark, excelled at the task. 

Zach Haines: "It was a very good first preseason game for us. The guys worked hard, pressed well, and stuck together from start to finish. On a personal level it was special to have Aidan bring his team to HPU. They're a good team and I'm glad we had the opportunity to challenge ourselves against them."

After finishing the first period with no scores, High Point worked quickly in the second period as Tony Pineda found Alex Abril for the goal in the 41st minute. 
 

First period ? HPU 0, UNCW 0

We'll play two more 30-minute periods!#GoHPU pic.twitter.com/EO4L2NjVYf

— High Point University Soccer (@HPUMSOCCER) August 13, 2022

The Panthers cleared their bench and were able to hold the Seahawks to secure the victory. 

HPU continues its preseason schedule at Duke on Tuesday night. Kick off is set for 7:00 PM.