ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to No. 9 Marshall in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night, Nov. 17 at Rudd Field.
 
With the loss, the Phoenix finishes the season at 11-5-3 overall, while Marshal improves to 11-3-3 to advance to the second round to play at Virginia on Sunday.
 
"Just unbelievably proud of our group," said Elon head coach Marc Reeves. "Guys just came out and gave everything for our seniors. They helped put this program back in NCAA Tournament and be regular season champions. We fought incredibly hard against a really strong, talented and well-coached opponent who were the national champions 18 months ago. They still got six players returning from that team, but our group really put a lot on them tonight. The second half was exceptional in the way we pressed and the way we created, but unfortunate not to grab one and send it to overtime. But couldn't be more proud of our seniors and our group and everything we've accomplished."
 
THE RUNDOWN
• Marshall controlled possession for the majority of the opening stanza, but Elon would get the first shot of the half on a look from Jack Dolk in the 30^th minute. The junior forward's try was snuffed out by the netminder to keep the match scoreless.
• The Herd dominated in corners in the first period, 9-2, and would eventually strike on one of its set pieces. Mohammed Seidu headed in a shot off a corner kick serviced in by Gabriel Alves in the 43^rd minute to put Marshall ahead 1-0.
• In the second half, the Phoenix started to throw numbers forward to find the equalizer. After the Phoenix's Ryan Bilichuk made his first save of the night in the 51^st minute, Elon nearly responded with a goal on the preceding counter. Jeppe Jordoson had a look near the top of the 18, but again the goalkeeper was there for the save.
• Elon had five more looks for the tying goal after that, but each shot was stopped by the keeper or was off target. Mason Duval had a couple of chances in the final three minutes, but a pair of header attempts went wide as Marshall secured the 1-0 win.
 
NOTES
• Elon ended up winning the shot battle, 8-7, overall with six of those attempts coming in the second half. The Phoenix also held the Herd to one corner in the second session with Marshall having a 10-7 advantage overall.
• The defeat was the Phoenix's first in three NCAA tournament games at its home pitch at Rudd Field. Prior to tonight's contest, Elon was 1-0-1 all-time in the NCAA tournament at home.
• Both teams met on the soccer pitch for the first time since the 2009 season when they met at the UNCG Kickoff Classic. The Phoenix earned a 2-0 win in that contest to pull the series to 1-1 before tonight's meeting.