ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men's soccer team dropped its first match of the season Saturday night, Sept. 3, as the Phoenix fell to Northeastern, 2-1, in its Colonial Athletic Association and home opener at Rudd Field.
 
The setback places Elon's ledger at 2-1 overall and 0-1 in league play. Northeastern (1-1-1, 1-0 CAA) picks up its first win of the season and its first win over the Phoenix since 2018.
 
The Rundown
• The Phoenix nearly found itself on top early in the opening stanza just inside the second minute. Jack Dolk sent a cross from the right wing that nearly carried into the goal as the ball hit the inside of the far post before the carom was cleared out of play.
• Northeastern opened the scoring in the 13^th minute of the match. The Huskies' Tobias Wangerud drew a foul inside the box to reward Northeastern a penalty kick. Federico Tellez took the assignment and placed the penalty kick past the keeper to put the Huskies on top.
• Elon itself was rewarded a penalty opportunity in the 41^st minute. Myson Darden was tackled inside the box by the keeper on a deflection off a free kick, putting Elon in position for the equalizer. Scott Vatne was able to slot the ball into the back right corner to level the match at 1-1.
• Northeastern took the lead for good nearly three minutes into the second half. Fraser Brown was able to maneuver past several Elon defenders and buried a low shot into the net to put the Huskies back on top, 2-1.
• Elon spent the rest of the match chasing the evasive equalizer. It looked like it was found at the 53^rd minute as Majaliwa Msabaha scored off a Phoenix corner kick, but an offsides call wiped the goal off the board.
• The Phoenix had a couple of good looks on goal off the foot of Vatne just inside the 61^st minute, but both shots were turned away by Northeastern's netminder Colby Hegarty.
• The Phoenix would find itself down a couple of men due to a pair of red cards issued in the 82^nd and 83^rd minute. Despite playing with only nine men, the Phoenix had one final look at goal with Msabaha sending in a cross attempt to try to find Jeppe Jordoson on the back post, but Hegarty was able to intercept the ball as Northeastern held on for the 2-1 win.
 
Notes
• Elon won the shot battle in a match for the first time this season, outshooting Northeastern 16-8 overall including a 6-3 advantage on goal. The Phoenix also had a number of set piece chances with an 8-4 victory in corners.
• Vatne led the Phoenix with 10 total shots in the game. His penalty kick goal was his second goal of the season.
• The game was marred with 23 total fouls and 10 cautions between both teams, including a pair of red cards for the Phoenix.
 
Up Next
Elon is back on its home pitch next Saturday, Sept. 10, hosting CAA newcomer Stony Brook. That match is scheduled for a 2 p.m. kickoff.