SPARTANBURG, S.C.
– Elon freshman Chris Thomas knocked in two first-half goals to lead the
Phoenix men’s soccer team to a 2-0 win over College of Charleston in the
semifinals of the 2009 Southern Conference Men’s Soccer Tournament on Friday
night at Snyder Field. Elon (10-7-2) advances to the league championship game
for the first time in program history. The Phoenix will battle top-seed and tournament-host Wofford
for the league title and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament on Sunday at 2
p.m.
The shutout was the Elon’s 10th of the year,
tying the school record set by the 1987 and 1988 squads. Junior goalkeeper
Clint Irwin moved into a tie for first place on Elon’s career shutout list with
19 overall. Irwin posted three saves in the winning effort.
“This was a good team performance tonight against a
well-organized Charleston team who always makes the game very difficult,” Elon
head coach Darren Powell said. “We are very excited to be playing in our first
championship game and now our job is to prepare the team for our next
opponent.”
The recently named league freshman of the year, Thomas made
his presence known with back-to-back goals within five minutes of each other to
give the Phoenix a commanding lead before the half. The rookie scored the
ultimate game-winner in the 36th minute of action, knocking in an
attempt from about 10 yards out off a deflected shot by fellow freshman Gabe
Latigue.
Shortly after, Thomas found the back of the net again. CofC
goalie Clark Hankins was drawn out of the box and Thomas took advantage, cushioning
the Elon lead at the 39:14 mark. The goals were Thomas’ ninth and tenth of the
season.
The Cougars had their best chance to get on the board in the
85th minute of action when they were awarded a penalty kick. Irwin
stopped Matt Morris’ attempt, sending it off the left post.
For the game, Elon outshot CofC 16-13, including a 10-4
advantage in the opening 45 minutes. The Phoenix also held a 9-7 advantage in corner
kicks.
The victory was Elon’s first over College of Charleston in
the SoCon Tournament, avenging a 4-1 loss to the Cougars in last year’s
semifinal contest. The Phoenix has won two straight matches against CofC and
three of the last four.
-- ELON --