ELON, N.C. - Forward Zack Schilawski registered the fourth multi-goal game of his career and junior goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald recorded his sixth shutout of the season as the top-ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-0-0) defeated homestanding Elon Phoenix (2-7-1) 3-0 in front of 1,663 fans on Wednesday night at Rhodes Stadium.
The Deacons out-shot the Phoenix 21-5, including an 11-1 advantage in the first half. Wake had 10 shots on goal, compared to three attempts on frame for Elon.
Schilawski led the way offensively, scoring twice and taking a career-high six shots. Cody Arnoux also scored for Wake in the game and attempted six shots, including four shots on goal.
Fitzgerald made three saves in the game while Phoenix goalkeeper Clint Irwin made seven saves in the contest.
With just under 31 minutes remaining in the first half, Corben Bone attempted a shot from 25 yards out in the center of the field, but the Elon keeper was able to make the save.
The Deacons got on the board at the 15:16 mark when Bone send a ball to Jamie Franks who played a cross from the left side of the field. Schilawski headed the ball in from just outside the six-yard box to give Wake Forest a 1-0 advantage.
Arnoux nearly extended the lead to two goals with 21 minutes left in the first half, but his shot from 18-yards out toward the right post was deflected the out of bounds by a diving Irwin.
Elon had its best scoring chance of the first half with just over 10 minutes remaining to play. Aaron Parker was one-on-one with Fitzgerald, but his first touch was too hard, allowing Fitzgerald to corral the ball before Parker could get a shot off.
With 4:30 minutes left in the first half, Arnoux was one-on-one with Irwin from just inside the 18. The keeper was able to block Arnoux's shot.
Elon had a good scoring opportunity with 32 minutes left in the games. James Carroll attempted to loft a shot over Fitzgerald, but the Wake keeper was able to make the stop.
The Deacons added on to their lead at 58:29 when Marcus Tracy played a pass to Schilawski. Schilawski fired from just outside the six-yard box, beating the keeper on the right side to give Wake a 2-0 lead. Austin da Luz also earned an assist on the play.
The Deacs nearly made the lead three goals just over a minute later. Tracy attempted a shot from the right side of the box, but the keeper made the save. Off the deflection, Schilawski had a chance for a hat trick, but sent the shot high.
Arnoux gave Wake Forest a 3-0 advantage at 64:37. Tracy played a pass to Arnoux, who sent the ball inside the left post for his second goal of the season.
Elon nearly scored a late goal with just over five minutes remaining. Clint Collins fired a shot from 17 yards out in the center of the field but Fitzgerald made the save.
The Phoenix will take on Georgia Southern in a Southern Conference contest on Saturday afternoon. The match from Statesboro, Ga. is slated for a 1 p.m. start.
-- ELON --
