GREENVILLE, S.C. – Thanks to a pair of late second-half goals, the Elon University men's soccer team started its road trip on a positive note as the Phoenix defeated Furman, 2-0, on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at Stone Stadium.
 
A pair of veterans got on the scoresheet for the Phoenix (4-1) as junior Sam Durand opened the scoring in the 76^th minute, followed by senior Mason Duval nearly two minutes later. Furman falls to 3-1-1 with its first setback of the season.
 
"This is a great road win against a strong opponent," said Elon head coach Marc Reeves. "We had some great chances in the first half but could not convert. I am pleased with the way the group stayed strong and found a way to convert on a couple of corners. We must now turn around quickly to prepare for our first road CAA game."
 
THE RUNDOWN
• Neither team had any success breaking through the stalemate in the first 45 minutes of action. Elon outshot the Paladins 8-4 in the first half with both teams having two shots on goal.
• Elon's Scott Vatne had the first best look on goal just inside the second minute. The sophomore fired a free kick from the left side that was on frame, but was headed away by the defense.
• The Phoenix's Myson Darden had Elon's second attempt on goal in the opening stanza in the seventh minute. The Raleigh, N.C., native headed a shot off another set piece, but the keeper was able to corral it.
• Furman tested the Phoenix defense and keeper Ryan Bilichuk in the 13^th minute. The Paladins' Dylan Lane fired a shot from the top of the box that was deflected away by Bilichuk, but the carom snuck away to Furman's Sam Miller. Miller tried to take advantage of Bilichuk out of position, but the netminder was able to make another stop before the ball was cleared.
• Both teams had some good looks at the beginning of the second half to break the shutout combining for eight shots on goal. Neither side was able to break through and find the evasive first score.
• The Phoenix broke open the scoring in the 76^th minute. Elon earned a corner kick with Kasper Lehm sending the ball into the box and finding the head of Durand. The Cary, N.C., native's first score of the year put the maroon and gold in front, 1-0.
• Nearly two minutes later, Duval extended the Phoenix's lead on his header on another Elon corner kick. Lehm again sent the ball into the box where Jannik Videbaek initially headed it towards the goal line before Duval converted the finish for a 2-0 lead.
• Elon held Furman to only one shot for the remainder of the match to secure its 2-0 victory.
 
NOTES
• The Phoenix won the shot battle over the Paladins, 18-11, its third straight match outshooting an opponent. Elon also held a slight 8-7 lead in shots on goal and dominated in corners, 13-1.
• This was Elon's first victory over Furman since earning a 1-0 result over the 22^nd-ranked Paladins in 2012. It was also the Phoenix's first win on Furman's home pitch since 2005.
• Duval notched his team-best third goal of the season with all three coming in each of the past three games he has played.
• Bilichuk and the Phoenix notched their fourth shutout of the season. Playing back in his hometown, the Greenville, S.C., native ended the match with a season-high six saves.
• Both teams had originally scheduled a 6:30 p.m. start time, but the match was moved up to a 6 p.m. kickoff.
 
UP NEXT
Elon continues its road swing this Saturday, Sept. 17, as the Phoenix treks to Delaware. The scheduled start for that match is set for 3 p.m.