Box Score: No. 14 VCU 1, High Point 1
Location: Richmond, Va. / Sports Backers Stadium
Records: VCU (2-0-1), High Point (0-1-2)
 
THE SHORT STORY: VCU and High Point battled in a deadlocked affair until Panthers' midfielder Ross Johnstone broke open the match in the 71^st minute. VCU defender Gerardo Castillo answered in the 84^th minute, netting one off the corner to level the match at a deciding 1-1 score.

PITCH SIDE

• Castillo tallied his second goal of the season in the 84^th minute to even the score for the Rams
• VCU led the contest in total shots and shots on goal, 17-12 and 6-3 respectively
• The Rams were aggressive in the first half on offense, recording 10 shots to the Panthers' four
• VCU controlled the ball for the majority of the game, totaling 56% of possession to High Point's 44%
• Veteran goalkeeper John Ermini tallied a pair of saves, protecting his undefeated record in goal on the season
• Through three games, the 2024 Rams remain on par with the 2012 squad's unbeaten streak to open the season, a year in which the team posted a 4-0-2 record to start

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Rams tallied double digit shots in the first half, producing three shots on goal
• High Point opened up the scoring in the 71^st minute with a goal off a corner from midfielder Johnstone
• The Rams answered quickly as defender Castillo laced a shot just under the crossbar on a corner kick for the equalizer
• Andrey Salmeron, Castillo, and Papa Toure led the Rams in shot attempts, each making three 

 
UP NEXT:
The Rams return to the road, opening a two-game away slate with Akron at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, for their first away matchup since the opening night victory at No. 15 Wake Forest.