GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The Elon Phoenix men's soccer team battled the Old Dominion Monarchs for 110 minutes in the opening match of the 2008 UNCG Kickoff Classic on Friday night, but the game ended in a scoreless draw.  Elon, who had been 0-4-0 all-time against the Monarchs, now sits at 0-1-1 while Old Dominion now owns a record of 0-2-1 on the season.

 

Total shots were nearly even in the first half as the Phoenix got off six shots to seven for the Monarchs.  Of those, however, ODU held a 5-3 edge in shots on goal.

 

In the second 45 minutes, Elon managed to double the total shots of ODU, 6-3.  Four of the six Phoenix attempts were on frame while all three chances by the Monarchs were saved.

 

Elon's Clint Irwin denied the only shot by either team in the two 10 minute overtime periods to keep the clean sheet.

 

For the Phoenix, both Erfan Imeni and Steven Kinney directed three shots on goal.

 

Irwin posted nine saves on the night to record his fourth career shutout.

 

ODU's Brennan Kirkpatrick stopped five shots and another two Elon blasts were denied by Monarch defenders.

 

Elon was unable to take advantage of its huge differential in corner kicks.  The Phoenix took 14 corners to just three for the Monarchs.  Elon's total of 12 shots also outdid ODU's 11.

 

The Monarchs were whistled for 16 fouls to just eight for the Phoenix in the 110 minutes of action.

 

Elon will play its second and final match of the UNCG Kickoff Classic at UNCG Soccer Stadium in Greensboro at noon on Sunday against Winthrop.