SPARTANBURG, S.C.
– Back-to-back second-half goals by the Wofford Terriers proved the difference
as the Elon men’s soccer team suffered a 2-1 loss to the Terriers in the Southern
Conference Championship match at Snyder Field on Sunday afternoon. Down two
goals, Elon (10-8-2) managed to cut the lead in half with 20 minutes remaining
in the game, but Wofford (12-2-3) held on to win its first conference title and
the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The Terriers got on the board in the 63rd minute on a score
by Wilson Hood. Scott Redding came streaking through the middle of the field,
sending the ball wide right to Hood. The striker fired his seventh goal of the
season to the far corner to put Wofford up 1-0 at the 62:47 mark.
The momentum shifted Wofford’s direction and in the 71st
minute the Terriers increased their advantage. Kentral Owens was able to win
the ball from Elon’s back line and found himself one-on-one with Elon keeper
Clint Irwin. Owens managed to put the ultimate game-winner past Irwin into the
middle of the net.
Elon didn’t go down easy as the Phoenix continued to pound away
at the goal. Elon forced Wofford goalie Thomas Hunter to make five saves,
including four in the final period. At 74:27, the Phoenix cut the Wofford lead
in half on a score by senior Erfan Imeni. Rookie Chris Thomas sent an attempt
on net and Hunter came out to try and cover the ball. The ball slipped out of
his grasp and Imeni was there to knock in the loose ball to the right corner.
Elon raced to get the equalizer as the play clock wound
down. Thomas headed numerous balls at the goal but Hunter continued to clear
away any Elon threat and Wofford hung on for the win.
The Phoenix had one of its best opportunities in the early
going of the second half. Imeni made a strong run down the right side, beating
defenders and sending a cross into the box. Thomas touched the ball at the net,
but Hunter managed to lean right and cover the ball.
Thomas had another good look at the net in the first half,
sliding an attempt just wide left in the 15th minute of action. The
league freshman of the year had five shots on the afternoon.
Irwin, Thomas and Imeni each earned all-tournament honors for Elon.
Elon was forced to play without one of the best players in
the SoCon as an injury kept senior defender Steven Kinney on the sidelines.
Senior back Orry Powers also went down with an injury midway through the first
half. Seven Elon seniors played in their final Southern Conference match. This
class has earned 38 victories during its four seasons in the maroon and gold.
-- ELON --