BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Elon University men's soccer team was handed a 2-1 defeat at the hands of UTRGV on Sunday, Sept. 5, in the Phoenix's final game at the Soccer for the Cure Tournament hosted by UAB.
 
The loss levels Elon's record to 2-2 on the season while UTRGV also moved to 2-2 with its second straight win over the weekend.
 
The Rundown
Both teams had multiple chances in the first 40 minutes of the opening stanza to get on the scoreboard. Elon's first three shot attempts were all on target, but each was defended well by Vaqueros keeper Trevor Schneider and UTRGV's defense with each shot ending in a save.
 
The Phoenix's Cam Pelle also kept pace with his counterpart in goal as the redshirt sophomore made four saves in the first 35 minutes of the first period. However, UTRGV broke the scoring stalemate as Reshaun Walkes connected on his fifth score of the season in the 37^th minute to give the Vaqueros a 1-0 advantage going into the break.
 
UTRGV had eight shots in the first half compared to four for the Phoenix. UTRGV also had a 3-1 advantage on corners.
 
In the second half, it took all of five minutes into the period for the Phoenix to tie the game as Jeppe Jordoson found the back of the net for his first goal of the season. Elon looked to take advantage of its momentum as the Phoenix looked for the go-ahead score.
 
Both teams battled for the remainder of the half, but UTRGV would eventually take the lead on a goal from Enock Asante in the 84^th minute. The Phoenix looked to respond to tie the match once more and had a couple of great chances from Zack DiDonato and Victor Stromsten, who both had shots on goal in the 85^th and 87^th minute, respectively. Schneider however turned away both chances as the Vaqueros hung on for the 2-1 win.
 
Elon had an 8-6 shot advantage in the second half, but UTRGV won the overall shot battle 14-12 including an 8-7 lead in shots on frame. Jordoson and Jack Edwards led the Phoenix in total shots with three each.
 
Pelle ended the match with five saves in his first start between the posts this season. Schneider had six saves for UTRGV.
 
Up Next
Elon opens Colonial Athletic Association play next Saturday, Sept. 11, as the Phoenix hosts Delaware at Rudd Field. That match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.