ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Elon men’s soccer team competed in the first of two preseason exhibition games on Wednesday afternoon, falling to the UNC Asheville Bulldogs, 2-1. Junior Jordan Smith, a transfer from the University of Vermont, scored the lone goal for the Phoenix.

The teams played three 40-minutes halves in the exhibition match. Each team's starters played in the first two halves with reserves playing the final 40 minutes.

“Today was a tough preseason game,” Elon head coach Darren Powell noted. “UNC Asheville performed well and was well organized throughout the game. We played well at times, but were unable to convert our opportunities. It is a gauge of our team’s strengths and fitness levels as we prepare for the season. We got to see a lot of players today and they were able to get real game experience during the three 40 minute periods. We look to continue our preparations against nationally-ranked South Carolina on Saturday night.”

The Phoenix controlled much of the play early in the contest, just missing on a scoring opportunity five minutes into the match when Chris Thomas’ shot his the cross bar from five yards out. Elon nearly scored on the rebound but was called for offsides.

Asheville finally managed to get on the board just before the first half ended. On a corner kick, Kye Grooms sent the ball into the goal area where A.J. Iiames got his foot on it and lifted it into the back of the goal for a 1-0 home team lead with 18 seconds remaining.

After a scoreless second session, the Bulldogs’ Tim Kynast picked up a pass from Eli Morrow in the final 40-minute period. Kynast then hit a shot from 25 yards out that curled into the back left corner of the net to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 advantage.

Elon countered shortly after when Smith scored on a breakaway to cut the lead to 2-1.

The Phoenix came close to tying the match twice as one shot went wide with 10 minutes left before UNCA goalie Dan Jackson made a nice save on a Matt Wescoe shot with four minutes remaining.

Elon outshot Asheville 14-8. The Bulldogs had nine corner kicks compared to six for Elon.

The Phoenix will travel to No. 20 South Carolina on Saturday to take on the Gamecocks at 7 p.m. in the final preseason contest.