Box Score CONWAY, S.C. – Two first half goals helped No. 21 Coastal Carolina hold off Elon, 2-1, on Friday evening at the Coastal Carolina University Soccer Field. It was the first meeting between the two schools since last year’s matchup in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

“There were a lot of positives to take away from tonight’s match. Even though we lost, the team played better in the second half and showed more desire,” said Phoenix head coach Darren Powell. “At this level and against talented teams like Coastal we have to start the game well and sustain that for the entire 90 minutes.”

The Chanticleers (4-1-2) struck first in the fourth minute by Ricky Garbanzo on a penalty kick goal to give Coastal Carolina a 1-0 lead. Uchenna Uzo added another score in the 35^th minute to give the Chanticleers a 2-0 advantage going into the half.
 
Elon (3-2-0) would finally get on the board in the second half after an own goal by Coastal Carolina to make it a one-goal game in the 49^th minute.
 
The Phoenix however could not force the tie as last second attempts by Nick Butterly and Daniel Lovitz were denied by as Elon saw its three-match winning streak come to an end.
 
Coastal Carolina outshot Elon 15-7 including a 7-4 advantage on shot on-goal. The Phoenix just edged the Chanticleers, 7-6, in corner kicks.
 
Nathan Dean played all 90 minutes between the posts and had a season-high five saves. Lovitz tallied two shots to lead the Phoenix.
 
Elon returns to the pitch on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. in Williamsburg, Va., versus William & Mary.