COLUMBIA, S.C. – Behind a goal from junior transfer Jordan Smith, the Elon men’s soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against the 15th-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks at Stone Stadium on Saturday night in the final exhibition game of the season for the Phoenix. Smith has scored both Elon goals during the two preseason contests this season.

South Carolina held the slim 11-10 advantage in shots on the evening, with Elon sophomore midfielder Daniel Lovitz leading the way with four shots in the contest. Lovitz, the leading assist man for the Phoenix last season, registered the helper on the lone Elon goal on Saturday.

“We were much improved tonight and at times we created some good opportunities especially in the first half,” commented Phoenix head coach Darren Powell. “South Carolina increased the pressure on us in the second half and played well. Now we have to regroup to play a ranked High Point team at home in Rhodes Stadium next weekend. We are all looking forward to the start of the 2011 season.”

Both teams had their offensive chances in the opening half and the back and forth play continued until Elon managed to get on the scoreboard just before the half. Lovitz took the ball down the left sideline and hit a cross into the six-yard box to Smith. The transfer from Vermont hit a one-touch shot that hit the crossbar before bouncing in for the Elon score in the 42nd minute of action.

The score held through halftime and nearly 10 minutes into the second half before South Carolina’s Stephen Morrissey netted the equalizer. Bradlee Baladez hit a corner kick towards the near post and Morrissey redirected the cross with a header past Elon keeper Nathan Dean to tie the score.

Due to the contest being an exhibition, the teams did not play any overtime minutes and the score ended in a 1-1 tie. Elon goalies Reed Dillard and Dean each played one half in the net with Dillard collecting one save and Dean racking up three stops.

Elon will open the regular season when it hosts local rival High Point on Saturday, August 27 at 8 p.m. in Rhodes Stadium.