Box Score WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Chris Thomas’ penalty kick goal in overtime was the difference as the Elon men’s soccer team battled from a one-goal first half deficit to earn a 2-1 victory at William & Mary Wednesday evening. Thomas netted his 37th and 38th career goals helping the Phoenix defeat the Tribe at the Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field.
 
“Both teams played well tonight,” said Phoenix head coach Darren Powell. “The game was exciting going back and forth. William & Mary is a very well-coached team and we were glad to score the winning goal in overtime.”
 
This was the first victory for the Phoenix (4-2) over the Tribe (2-4-1) in three career meetings. It was also Elon’s fourth win in its last five matches.
 
William & Mary did not make things easy for the Phoenix as a Chris Albiston goal in the 36^th minute gave the Tribe an early 1-0 advantage. The score would remain unchanged for the rest of the opening stanza thanks to the Tribe’s stingy defense.
 
The maroon and gold’s offense finally came alive when Thomas scored off a Matt Wescoe through ball from the top of the box in the 63rd minute. It was the senior forward’s seventh goal of the season.
 
For the remainder of regulation both teams had multiple chances to earn the go-ahead goal, but despite 21 combined shots in the second half both teams entered overtime tied at 1-1.
 
The Tribe started off strong in the extra session with three shot attempts in the first three minutes, but two sailed wide while keeper Nathan Dean corralled the other.
 
In the 96th minute, W&M’s Ryan Flesch earned a yellow card setting up Thomas with a penalty kick that proved to be game-winner. Thomas ended the night with two goals, his third two-score match of the season.
 
Dean played every minute between the posts and tied a career-high with six saves including a stop of the Tribe’s Jackson Eskay in overtime at the 93rd minute.
 
Elon outshot William & Mary 22-20 including nine shots on goal. The Phoenix also held a 7-4 advantage on corner kicks.
 
Elon will return to the pitch at home on Saturday, Sept. 22 to take on No. 6 Charlotte at Rudd Field. Kickoff is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
 
“We're looking forward to playing nationally ranked Charlotte in our next game,” Powell added. “They were last year’s national runner-up and we look forward to seeing a great crowd at Rudd Field on Saturday night.”