Box Score

STATESBORO, Ga. – A Gabe Latigue goal in the 48th minute was the lone difference as the Elon men’s soccer team advanced to the semifinals of the 2011 Southern Conference Tournament with a 1-0 victory at Georgia Southern in opening round action on Sunday afternoon at Eagle Field. Elon (7-10-2) will take on No. 2 Furman next Friday in Boone, N.C.

“The team showed great character, determination and resiliency to keep a clean sheet,” said Elon head coach Darren Powell. “We scored a good goal to start the second half and we were able to hold on against a talented GSU team. Now we will prepare to take on Furman next Friday in the semifinals.”

After a scoreless first half, the Phoenix attacked early in the final period. Latigue brought the ball down the left side of the field before it was deflected out to sophomore Matt Wescoe on the opposite side. He served a great ball into the box, finding Latigue who buried his third goal of the year. Georgia Southern keeper Ryan Platt got a touch on the ball but was unable to make the stop and the goal proved the eventual game winner.

The physical match saw Elon with the majority of the possession, especially in the final period. The Phoenix forced Platt to make nine saves in the effort. Elon goalies Reed Dillard and Nathan Dean combined for the shutout after Dillard was forced to the sidelines midway through the first half following a collision with an Eagle player. Both Elon goalkeepers tallied a save in the victory.

Elon outshout Georgia Southern 14-10, including an 8-3 advantage in the last 45 minutes. The Phoenix held the 8-6 edge in corner kicks as well.

Elon has advanced to the championship game one time during its time in the Southern Conference. In 2009, the Phoenix defeated College of Charleston to advance to the title game against Wofford.

The semifinals and finals of the league tournament will be held in Boone, N.C., beginning on Friday, November 11. The Phoenix and Paladins will battle in the second semifinal game at 6:30 on Friday evening.