Ring Ceremony Photo Gallery

ELON, N.C. – The 2011 Southern Conference Tournament Champion Elon University men’s soccer team recently concluded its spring slate, going 6-2 with notable wins over Virginia Tech and defending national champion North Carolina. The team also recently picked up some new hardware, holding its ring ceremony to celebrate its SoCon championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. Click here to view the photo gallery from the event.
 
Below are results from this spring as well as thoughts from head coach Darren Powell.

Date/Opponent	Result	Goal(s)
March 31 vs. Virginia Tech	W, 3-0	Smith, Waterman (Latigue, Smith) Lovitz
April 7 vs. Wilmington Hammerheads	L, 0-2
April 7 vs. Coker College	W, 2-1	Pacher, Browarsky
April 14 vs. North Carolina	W, 1-0	Waterman (Karpeh)
April 14 vs. Campbell	W, 1-1	Dunker
April 20 vs. NC State	L, 0-1
April 20 vs. UNC Pembroke	W, 1-0	Pacher (Smith)
April 24 vs. Carolina Railhawks	W, 2-1	Karpeh (Waterman), Karpeh

What are the benefits of the spring season?
"The spring is a very important component for our program. On the field we are able to teach different systems of play and explore different options with our players without the added pressure of winning and losing games. We obviously still aim to win all of our matches, as it is a good indicator of where our program is at currently. We are also able to focus on getting stronger and gaining flexibility in the weight room. Coach McCallister has been a huge help again this spring as our guys continue to make gains in the weight room."

What were the highlights of the spring season?
"The highlights in terms of the games were being able to compete well and score a 1-0 victory over National Champion UNC and in our final performance we played strong and managed to score a couple of good goals to defeat the Carolina Railhawks, 2-1. We also scored a few good goals against Virginia Tech in the ACC College Showcase at Bryan Park which was our first game of the spring. For the coaching staff, it is always good to see each player develop within the practices and games. This team certainly was playing better at the end of the spring."

How did you feel about the progression of the team over the spring season?
"The team worked hard this spring and we were able to have some high level practices. We think that we were able to improve with each game with our performances and we had some strong results as well. The team improved technically and tactically this spring and we hope that the team can use the spring as our base and that way we can push forward early this fall."

How do you think the incoming freshmen will fit with this group?
"We are excited to have a group of newcomers that could not only provide depth at several positions but also have the ability to contribute from day one. This new group of players will add a variety of different characteristics to our program that will make us stronger. We look forward to their arrival in August."

What does the team need to focus on this summer?
"Both the returning players and as well as the incoming student-athletes need to focus on be prepared for the season to the best of their capabilities. The obvious one is for all players to improve their fitness levels. The players also need to try and get as many games as practices that they can find to be ready when they arrive back at Elon."

How do you feel going into the 2012 season this fall?
"We are optimistic about the upcoming season. We have again put together a very competitive schedule which will challenge our team. Winning the Southern Conference Tournament and getting a berth to NCAA Tournament last year has galvanized our program and created a desire to try and achieve more. The Southern Conference is a very tough league and we expect that race to be very tight again. We are looking forward to our first games this August."

Do you have any updates on the former Elon players who are playing professionally?
"We have added two more players to the pro’s this year with both Nick Millington and Austen King both joining the successful NASL Carolina Railhawks. Austen was starting and playing every minute until recently when he got a injury, but should be back very soon. Nick recently signed and having spoke with the Railhawks staff they are pleased with his progress. Clint Irwin has moved up a league to join USL side Charlotte Eagles. He is currently waiting for his first appearance but says he is playing well in practices. Steven Kinney is still on the injured list with MLS Chicago Fire but has made his best progress recently and hopes to be fully healthy very soon. We are excited to see all the guys progress with their teams this summer and hope to watch them play personally in the upcoming weeks."