GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Defense was the story in the first game of the UNCG Kickoff Classic as the Elon men's soccer team played the Longwood Lancers to a scoreless tie on Friday night at the UNCG Soccer Stadium. Elon moves to 0-2-1 on the season and Longwood sits at 1-1-1 overall.

 

"Again, I thought it was a good team performance against a well-organized Longwood team that stuck to its task well," commented Elon head coach Darren Powell. "We have just got to get back on the practice field and keep working and hope to capitalize sooner rather than later." 

 

Elon outshot Longwood 19-10 in the contest and took eight corner kicks compared to five by the Lancers. Phoenix keeper Clint Irwin notched his first shutout of the season, the 10th of his career, making three saves in the effort. Longwood goalie Joel Helmick made five saves in the game.

 

Elon was strong on the attack in the opening period, but continued to struggle on the finish. The Phoenix made Helmick work from the opening kick. In the early minutes, Helmick stopped a long shot from senior Erfan Imeni as well as the ensuing rebound shot off the foot of freshman Chris Thomas. Minutes later, senior Daniel Street took advantage when Helmick came out of the box too early, but his shot floated just wide right of the goal.  

 

The momentum shifted midway through the half, as the Lancers managed several quality shots. Irwin and the Phoenix defense held Longwood at bay, with Irwin corralling two shots and senior back Austin King earning a team save to keep the game scoreless at the break. Elon held a 9-4 shot advantage through the first 45 minutes.

 

The second half continued in similar fashion, with most of the action taking place in Elon's attacking third of the field. Despite a 7-3 shot advantage, the Phoenix were unable to capitalize and the game continued into extra minutes.

 

Imeni sent a shot just high in the opening minute of the first overtime and Irwin made a strong punch save on a Lancer shot as the game remained scoreless through 100 minutes of action. In the final 10 minutes, Stephen Miller rocketed a shot toward the far post, but Helmick punched the ball over the crossbar to preserve the tie. 

 

Elon will take on Marshall on Sunday, Sept. 13 in its final game at the UNCG Classic.