Box Score

ELON, N.C. – After 81 minutes of scoreless soccer at Rudd Field, Cameron Owens netted his first goal of the season to give the UNCG Spartans a 1-0 victory over the host Elon Phoenix in Saturday night Southern Conference action. The win clinched the regular-season SoCon title for UNCG (8-7-1, 5-1-1) and also snapped a three-game losing streak to the Phoenix (6-10-1, 2-5-0).

“Congratulations to UNCG on clinching the regular-season title tonight,” said Elon head coach Darren Powell. “They scored a great goal. I thought we played well throughout the match and had phases where we were very strong, but we were unable to capitalize on our opportunities. We look forward to a tough ACC opponent in Duke and preparing for the playoffs next week.”

Elon controlled much of the possession, outshooting the Spartans 12-5 in the contest. The Phoenix had a couple of its best opportunities called back for offsides in the first half.

At 81:05, UNCG’s Austin Miller controlled the ball on the left side of the field and pushed it forward to Owens. Owens took a perfect strike from about 18 yards out to the far post to give the Spartans the go-ahead goal.

Elon had one of its best opportunities just minutes earlier when senior James Carroll tapped a short pass left to Chris Thomas deep in the box. Thomas’ shot went just wide of the net.

With 26 minutes to play in the contest, midfielder Gabe Latigue hit a low driving shot but it went right at visiting keeper Peyton Ford. Ford tallied four saves on the night.  

Prior to the match, Elon honored eight seniors for their time in the maroon and gold. Jordan Neuhauser, Morgan Fleming, Tony Pusateri, Jahan Threeths, Nick Millington, Austen King, James Carroll and Drew Gardner each suited up for his final game at Rudd Field.

The Phoenix will close the regular season at Duke on Tuesday, November 1 at 7 p.m. Elon is 2-0 against ACC opponents this year with wins over Clemson and Wake Forest.