ELON, N.C. – The Elon men’s soccer team will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 6 as the Phoenix hosts the Furman Paladins in its Southern Conference home opener at Rudd Field. The Phoenix (7-2-1, 1-0 Southern Conference) will look to continue its five-match unbeaten streak against the Paladins (8-1-2) with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
Prominent past members of the maroon and gold will be on hand for a series of events this weekend, including an alumni game on Saturday afternoon, before being honored at halftime of the match versus Furman.
 
“We’re excited to have all returning players join with the current team for the celebration of the 40th year of the program this weekend,” said Elon head coach Darren Powell. “We have several events lined up including our Maroon and Gold game at 1 p.m. and then our big Southern Conference match against Furman.”
 
Since its inaugural season in 1972, the Elon men’s soccer program has produced five All-Americans, 106 All-Conference selections, four conference Player of the Year accolades, and six Academic All Americans. In addition, a number of players have received national recognition from major publications and organizations such as College Soccer News and TopDrawerSoccer.com.
 
The program enjoyed its most recent success to date when it won the Southern Tournament last season and appeared in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.
 
“[Last year’s success] makes the program more and more prestigious,” Powell added. “It makes everyone proud to be a part of the Elon soccer family and we’re excited to welcome back several guys that have been cornerstones for the Elon program.”