Elon University Athletics

DURHAM, N.C. – The Elon University men's soccer team held No. 15 Duke to a scoreless first half, but could not withstand a second-half surge from the Blue Devils as the Phoenix fell 3-0 to its intrastate rival on Tuesday night, Oct. 10, at Koskinen Stadium.
 
The result put the Phoenix's ledger to 1-7-3 overall on the season. The Blue Devils improved to 7-3-1 on the year.
 
The Rundown
The Phoenix got a few chances in the opening minutes of the match. Elon earned its first corner kick at the 10^th minute while also attempting its first shot of the game three minutes later which led to another set-piece chance on another corner. Elon however could not break through as the match stayed scoreless.
 
Duke's offense came alive as the Blue Devils registered 10 shots from inside the 18^th minute to the 40^th minute. The Elon defense and keeper Tomasz Wroblewski withstood the pressure with Wroblewski making five saves during that stretch to keep the clean sheet intact.
 
Elon's only shot on target in the first half came with just seconds remaining before the horn. Scott Vatne got free for a look at the top of the box that was saved by Duke's keeper. The play resulted in the Phoenix's third corner of the opening period, but time would run out as both teams went into the half in a scoreless stalemate.
 
The Blue Devils however opened the scoring in the match just inside the 60^th minute. After the Phoenix was called for a foul just outside the 18, Duke's Ruben Mesalles sent in a free kick into the box that found the head of Forster Ajago near the back post to put the Blue Devils ahead 1-0.
 
Just minutes later, the Blue Devils doubled their lead on a goal by Luke Thomas before adding their third score of the match in the 76^th minute on a shot by Drew Kerr. Elon would get a few more shots before the end of the match, but none on target as the Phoenix fell 3-0.
 
Notes
• Wroblewski had seven saves in the match for the Phoenix in goal. That ties for the second-most that the junior has made in a single game this season.
• The win was the third straight for the Blue Devils over the Phoenix in its interstate matchup. Overall, Duke holds a 15-2-3 ledger all-time over Elon.
 
Up Next
The Phoenix is back on its home pitch this Saturday, Oct. 14, hosting Campbell in a CAA matchup at Rudd Field. Game time is set for 7 p.m.