WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Elon University men's soccer team matched its best start in nearly nine years thanks to an explosive scoring output as the Phoenix defeated North Florida, 5-2, in its finale at the Courtyard at Marriott Wrightsville Beach Classic on Sunday, Sept. 6, at UNCW Soccer Stadium.

The Phoenix improved to 4-0 while handing North Florida (1-2) its second defeat of the young season. It is the first time that Elon has begun the year with a 4-0 mark since the 2006 season. The five goals were also a season-high for the Phoenix as Cooper Vandermaas-Peeler, Caue Da Silva and James Brace (twice) each connected on a score. UNF also had an own goal that added to the Phoenix's offensive output.

Da Silva, Brace and Miguel Salazar were rewarded for their play this weekend by making  the All-Tournament team.

"I am just terrifically proud of the guys and the way that they played today," said Elon head coach Chris Little. "To go through four games in nine days was extremely difficult, but they showed determination and effort and I'm proud of their performance this weekend."

The Rundown
The maroon and gold was the first to put points on the scoreboard. Vandermaas-Peeler broke free of the defense in the ninth minute after receiving an outlet pass from Da Silva and maneuvered around the UNF keeper to put the Phoenix up 1-0.
 
A miscue by the Ospreys' defense led to the second goal of the contest in the 14^th minute. Da Silva crossed the ball inside the box from the right side, but a poor clear by an UNF defender pushed the ball back into the net for an own goal and a 2-0 advantage for Elon.

Da Silva himself would find the back of the net on his third score of the season. The senior fired a shot that deflected off an UNF defender and fell into the goal that gave the Phoenix a 3-0 lead.

UNF responded to cut the deficit with its first goal at the 32^nd minute. The Ospreys' Simen Solstead connected on a free kick from 22 yards that brought the Phoenix's lead to two, 3-1. Nearly seven minutes later, UNF was within one of the Phoenix as Gabriel Sousa's shot off a one-timer in the box went just between the legs of the keeper and made the score 3-2.

The Phoenix recovered and held on to its lead and added it to with thanks to a pair of late goals by Brace. The senior midfielder played a pass from Jaiden Fortune off an UNF turnover and scored easily past the keeper in the 82^nd minute. The duo of Brace and Fortune connected again on another miscue by the Ospreys as Brace added his second score of the contest at the 84^th minute and setting the final tally of 5-2. 

Match Notes

• This was Brace's second multi-goal game of his career. The Hartlepool, England, native also had a pair of scores in 2013 versus Presbyterian also at the UNCW Classic.
• North Florida won the shots battle, 15-11, but both teams were equal in targets on frame at five each.
• UNF also had a 4-2 advantage on corner kicks over the Phoenix.
• Elon conceded its first goal of the year in the 32^nd minute. Prior to that, the Phoenix had gone 301 minutes to start the year without allowing a score.
• Keeper Matthew Jegier had two saves on the match while playing all 90 minutes between the posts for Elon. His counterpart, Kyle Nasta, also played the full game, but failed to record a save.
• The Phoenix has scored 12 goals through its four games this year, compared to four at the same stretch last year.

 
Up Next
The Phoenix hosts its home-opener next Saturday, Sept. 12, versus former conference and in-state rival Davidson. That match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Rudd Field.