CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A late goal by Charlotte's Maclean Holbrook made the difference as the Elon University men's soccer team fell, 1-0, in a hard-fought match to the 17^th-ranked 49ers in the exhibition opener for both teams on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Transamerica Stadium.
 
"I thought tonight was good preparation, which is why we planned the match," said Elon head coach Chris Little. "Tonight was what we expected to see after both teams had only trained for only four or five days, so it was a bit scrappy. We are definitely not as sharp as we want to be, but I thought there was good commitment from the players. Everyone played about 45 minutes tonight, which is good experience."

The Rundown
Holbrook scored the lone goal of the contest in the 82^nd minute after he sent in a header in the back corner of the net. Holbrook was able to finish off a Callum Montgomery helper into the box to break the scoreless draw.
 
The Phoenix's best chance on goal came on an Elijah Agu shot in the second period. The sophomore from Cary, N.C., beat a couple of defenders into the box, but his try went high. Elon had three shots overall in the match compared to nine for the 49ers.
 
Match Notes
• This was Elon's first game against Charlotte since the Phoenix upset the then sixth-ranked 49ers in 2012, 2-0, in Elon
 • Elon made three saves in the match - all by redshirt freshman keeper and Charlotte native Matthew Jegier
• The Phoenix trailed overall 3-1 in corner kicks

Up Next
Elon closes out its exhibition schedule with a match a in-state rival NC State on Wednesday, Aug. 19. That match is slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff.