WILMINGTON, N.C. – A pair of second half goals proved to be too much for the Elon University women's soccer team to overcome on Sunday, Oct. 5, as the Phoenix dropped a 2-0 decision to UNC Wilmington in Colonial Athletic Association play at UNCW Soccer Stadium.
Elon ended the match with a 7-4 edge in shots on goal and a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks, but was held scoreless for all 90 minutes. The Phoenix tested UNCW keeper Liisa Rahkola all afternoon, but could not land a shot behind the sophomore keeper.
UNCW's Serenity Waters scored both goals for the Seahawks, a chip shot in the 52nd minute of play before her second score of the afternoon in the 67th minute on a through ball from Kennedy Ulrich.
With the loss, Elon drops to 4-8 (0-4 CAA) on the season, while UNC Wilmington improves to 6-6-1 (1-3 CAA).
"I'm very proud of the team's effort today," said Elon head coach
Chris Neal. "We created good chances. Unfortunately, the ball just isn't bouncing our way right now."
The Phoenix and Seahawks had limited scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes, as both squads took four shots with only one on goal.
Just after the half, Elon had an opportunity to take the lead on a corner kick in the 48th minute. However,
Susannah Anderson's header on the set piece was saved by Rahkola.
But UNC Wilmington jumped out to a 1-0 lead seven minutes into the second session, as Waters chipped in a shot from 15 yards out over Phoenix keeper
Kate Murphy in the 52nd minute. Fifteen minutes later, Waters put the Seahawks ahead by two goals after sinking a shot just inside the left post to make it a 2-0 match.
Kathryn Black nearly made it a one-goal match in the 72nd minute, but her shot on a corner kick by
Erin Tanhauser was stopped by Rahkola between the posts.
Elon wraps up its home slated next weekend with a pair of matches against Drexel (Friday, Oct. 10) and Delaware (Sunday, Oct. 12). Sunday's match against Delaware marks Senior Day for Elon and the final home match for seniors
Kate Murphy,
Marissa Russo,
Raychel Diver,
Caroline O'Dee,
Bethany Houpt and
Kim Gardner.
-- ELON --