DURHAM, N.C. – An early goal scored in the 13^th minute was the difference as the Elon University men's soccer team fell at No. 19 Duke on Tuesday, Oct. 3, in an early-week nonconference matchup at Koskinen Stadium.
 
The Phoenix (3-2-6) saw its winless streak go to seven games with only its second setback of the year. The Blue Devils improved to 8-2-1 overall on the year and 12-1-3 all-time in the series versus Elon, including winners of four out of the last five meetings.
 
The Rundown
Duke quickly answered to give itself the lead near the 13^th minute. The Blue Devils' Daniele Proch sent a low shot past keeper Matthew Jegier that trickled to the back left corner of the goal for his first score of the season.
 
Elon had a couple of solid chances to provide the equalizer after that. After a Duke foul set up a Phoenix free kick near the 21^st minute, the set piece found the foot of Elijah Agu in the box, but the senior pushed the ball high over the goal.
 
Near the 24^th minute, Elon's Tuki Tayali got a shot off deep into the box that was deflected out of play by the Blue Devils. The Phoenix received back-to-back corner kick opportunities, but could not come up with anything off either set piece.
 
In the second half, Duke nearly took a two-score advantage in the 47^th minute. The Blue Devils' Kevon Black saw his shot blocked by the Phoenix defense, but the carom found the foot of Proch who had a good look with Elon scrambling. The maroon and gold was fortunate as Proch's attempt hit the crossbar before being cleared away.
 
Inside the 75^th minute, Elon again had a couple of corner kicks to try to tack on the equalizer. The result was the Phoenix's first shot on goal of the night as Nicholas O'Callaghan fired a shot from the left side at the top of the box, but it was caught by the keeper.
 
With the clock ticking down under a minute in the match, Elon was able to get one final look for the tying goal. Jegier sent a great cross to Billy Beresford who beat the defense inside the box on the right side of the goal with 20 seconds remaining. The Sheffield, England, native fired a look that was jumped on by the Duke netmider, ending the final chance for the Phoenix and setting the final score of 1-0.
 
Inside the Box Score
• Elon was outshot by the Blue Devils 18-6 in the match with an 8-2 disadvantage in shots on goal.
• The goal allowed was only the fifth all season conceded by the Phoenix, who has allowed one or fewer goal in 10 of its 11 matches this season.
• Six different players took a shot for the Phoenix with Beresford and O'Callaghan the only ones coming on target.
• Jegier made a season-high six saves in goal for the Phoenix while playing all 90 minutes. His counterpart Will Pulisic had two stops for the Blue Devils.
• A total of 31 fouls were whistled in the match with Elon having the slight edge over Duke, 16-15. Four yellow cautions were also called on both teams.
 
Up Next
The Phoenix will take a week-long break before heading to William & Mary for a league matchup against the Tribe next Wednesday, Oct. 11. That matchup is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.