Box Score

ELON, N.C. – The Elon men’s soccer team avenged last year’s Southern Conference Tournament loss to the defending league champion Wofford Terriers, defeating the visiting Terriers, 2-1, at Rudd Field on Saturday night. After a scoreless first half, Elon netted back-to-back goals in a four-minute span en route to the victory. The Phoenix improved to 6-3-4 on the season, 3-1-0 in SoCon action. Wofford fell to 1-8-2 overall, 0-4-0 in the conference.

“I thought we showed progress tonight against a very spirited Wofford team whose record certainly does not reflect their level of play,” commented Elon head coach Darren Powell. “It was good to get a 2-0 lead, but we conceded a late goal. We look forward to hosting a talented Furman team here on Tuesday night.”

There were few scoring opportunities by either team in the opening 45 minutes of play, but the Phoenix nearly got on the board about 25 minutes into the contest when sophomore forward Chris Thomas’ shot from about 15 yards out banged off the inside of the post.

Elon came out on the attack after the break, taking advantage of a free kick in the 51st minute of action. Sophomore Jahan Threeths served a perfect ball into the box where defender Austen King headed home the go-ahead goal to the middle of the net, giving Elon the lead and King his first career goal.

The Phoenix gained momentum off the goal and quickly added to its lead. Sophomore Nick Millington banged home a bullet from near the top of the box into the far corner of the net to give Elon the 2-0 advantage.

Senior Brad Franks almost gave the Phoenix a three-goal lead with about 13 minutes to play in the contest. The midfielder curled a free kick to the far post but Wofford keeper Andrew Drennan managed to pull the ball out of the air and save the goal.

Wofford cut the Elon lead in half in the 80th minute of action on a Blake Gardner rocket to the near post. Phoenix goalie Reed Dillard got a hand on the shot but couldn’t wrap it up and the Terriers were within a goal.

The visitors scrambled to get the equalized but Elon held off the Terrier attack for the victory.

Elon held a 10-6 advantage in shots. Dillard made two saves while Drennan posted three stops.

The Phoenix will challenge the Furman Paladins in Tuesday night Southern Conference action from Rudd Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.