ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to No. 4/7 Duke on Tuesday, Sept. 20 in a nonconference match at Rudd Field.
 
The setback snapped the Phoenix's three-match winning streak as Elon fell to 5-2 on the year. The Blue Devils remained unbeaten on the year at 5-0-1.
 
"Really proud of the effort of the guys tonight," said Elon head coach Marc Reeves. "Duke is a really talented team and very well coached. I think we were just as good as them tonight on the field. I think if we continue to focus on our play, our preparation and execution, the results will come our way,"
 
THE RUNDOWN
• The Phoenix was on the attack from nearly the outset of the match, getting a look on goal just a minute and a half into the contest. Mason Duval broke free from the defense on a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper, but saw his attempt stopped by Duke's Eliot Hamill.
• Elon was rewarded with a free kick just outside the box in the sixth minute. Scott Vatne took the shot that sailed high of the mark to keep the game scoreless.
• Another chance for the Phoenix on goal came inside the seventh minute. The Phoenix played a cross into the box from the left side that was cleared by Duke, but the carom found the foot of Jeppe Jordoson, who fired a shot from 18 yards out. The ball was however easily corralled by Hamill for his second save.
• The Blue Devils created a few chances in the opening stanza, getting a pair of shots on goal in the 20^th and 44^th minute. Elon's netminder Ryan Bilichuk made the stop on each threat as both teams went into the half deadlocked at 0-0.
• Elon again came out early on the attack to start the second period as Vatne put pressure on Hamill with a shot about 25-yards away just 15 seconds into the half. The keeper was able to make his third stop of the contest so far to keep the clean sheet.
• Duke broke the scoring stalemate after being rewarded a free kick just outside the 18-yard box in the 56^th minute. The Blue Devils' Shakur Mohammed put the ball in frame and out of Bilichuk's reach to put Duke ahead 1-0.  
• Elon fought desperately for the equalizer, but all efforts were snuffed out by the Duke back line and Hamill. Duval had the Phoenix's last look on goal in the 66^th minute, but Hamill added his fourth save which eventually helped preserve Duke's 1-0 victory.
 
NOTES
• Elon outshot Duke, 8-7, overall in the contest and had a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal. Both teams were even with four corners apiece.
• The win improved the Blue Devils' all-time series lead over the Phoenix to 14-2-3 all-time.
• The Phoenix conceded its first goal after 366 consecutive minutes of action. Of Elon's three goals allowed, only one has come in open play.
 
UP NEXT
Elon returns to Colonial Athletic Association play this Saturday, Sept. 24 at Monmouth. That game is slated for a 1 p.m. kickoff.