ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men's soccer team opens its 2020-21 season on Tuesday evening, Feb. 23, when it hosts Shaw University at Rudd Field on Elon's campus. The match is slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
 
COVERAGE
Live stats will be available to follow using the link listed on elonphoenix.com. Updates of the match will also be provided on Twitter at the team's handle, @ElonMSoccer.
 
THE MATCHUP
• This marks the first time Elon and Shaw will meet in a match in program history.
 
ABOUT ELON
• Head coach Marc Reeves is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Phoenix program. Reeves spent seven years as the head coach at Radford prior to joining Elon in 2017.
• The Phoenix finished last season with a 7-9-1 overall record, including a 5-4 record in matches played at Rudd Field.
• Elon returns its leading scorer from last season in Burl Shepherd, who rounded out last year with five goals and one assist for a total of 11 points.
• The Phoenix will also return its top assist-man from a year ago in Kasper Lehm, who led the team with six.
 
SCOUTING SHAW
• The Bears are off to a 1-2-1 start to this season after defeating Newberry, 2-0, in its most recent outing.
• Shaw is in the midst of its second season under Randy McClure, who served as an assistant coach at Catawba prior to being named the Bears head coach in 2019.
• The Bears are led by freshman Jordan Gilley, who is tied for the team lead in goals (1) and leads the team in shots on goal (3) so far this season.
• Freshman goalie Juan Ramirez is expected to be in the net for Shaw, after compiling an impressive 22 saves through just four games. Ramirez is also credited with the shutout in Shaw's win over Newberry this past weekend.
 
UP NEXT
The Phoenix will be back in action on Sunday, Feb. 28, when it travels to Greensboro, N.C., for a road matchup with UNCG. Kickoff in the contest is set for 6 p.m.