Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. – The Elon men’s soccer team couldn’t overcome a potent VCU attack as the host Rams posted a 4-0 victory over the Phoenix in the final game of the 2011 VCU Tournament on Sunday afternoon. Despite trailing only 1-0 at the half, Elon (0-2-1) gave up an early second-half score that seemed to spark the Rams’ offense as VCU moved to an unbeaten 4-0-0 this season.

“Obviously we are very disappointed with the result,” commented Elon head coach Darren Powell. “VCU is a quality team that was able to execute its chances today. We obviously need improvement over the next week to prepare for a tough game on Friday against Charlotte.

“I think all the players are looking forward to getting back to the basics in preparation for that game next weekend. We are happy to be back at home and look forward to the great support of our fans like we had in our season-opener against High Point.”

The Phoenix opened the game with some strong early chances, forcing keeper Josh Pantazelos to make some big stops to keep Elon off the board. Junior Gabe Latigue rocketed a left-footed shot from the 18 that was blocked away by Pantazelos and senior Nick Millington forced another save with his shot from the top of the box.

VCU got its first score in the 29th minute when Nick Rich curled in a cross from the right side of the field that went off an Elon defender and into the net for a 1-0 Rams lead. Neither team had too many more chances before the break, with the shot total 5-4 in favor of the Phoenix after 45 minutes of play.

The home team came out firing after the break and in the 48th minute added some cushion to its lead. One-on-one with Elon goalie Reed Dillard, Jason Johnson managed to put it past the keeper for the two-goal VCU advantage.

Dillard has his work cut out for him, making some impressive stops on 15 second-period VCU attempts. He finished with eight saves in the contest.

The Phoenix kept firing, trying to get back in the game. Latigue and Millington each had solid opportunities, including a header from Millington that went just wide right of the goal.

In the 72nd minute, VCU’s Yoram Mwila pushed the game further out of reach for the Phoenix as his shot made it through the Elon defense and into the bottom right corner of the net.

With the game decided, the Rams tucked in one final score with five seconds remaining on the clock. Ragnar Leosson found Carlos Castillo deep in the box and Castillo tapped in the score for the final 4-0 margin.
Elon senior James Carroll and sophomore Danny Lovitz were named to the all-tournament team.

The Phoenix returns home for the Elon Classic next weekend, beginning with a contest against Charlotte on Friday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. The Elon women’s soccer team will play prior to the men’s game, facing off against North Florida at 5 p.m.