Elon, N.C.- The Elon women's soccer team (1-2-2) closed out the 2023 non-conference slate Sunday night against the UNC-Greensboro Spartans (2-3-1). The two rivals battled for 90 minutes, but UNCG needed just five to net two goals on a free kick and from distance to secure their 21^st win all-time against Elon by a 2-0 scoreline.
 
The Phoenix will look to jump start conference play next Sunday as they take on Monmouth, then will return to Rudd Field for three straight CAA home matches.
 
How It Happened
 

• UNCG would start the game fast with a flurry of possession and a chance that forced a save from McKenna Dalfonso barely four minutes in.
• Following a loss of possession, Gabby Hoschek was booked in the 5^th minute for halting a clear scoring opportunity for the Spartans.
• The Spartans would continue to have long spells of possession, but very few opportunities in the final third.
• The opening goal would come from a UNCG free kick in their own half. Erck Haydan played a long looping ball into the box from just inside the halfway line and it found the head of Ava Kiss. Kiss secured her second goal of the season and just the fourth goal in six games for the Spartans.
• Coming out of the locker room, the Spartans would double their lead when Caroline Woods got loose on the break and floated a shot from outside the 18-yard box and floated over the outstretched hand of Dalfonso to make it 2-0.
• Elon would register their first chance from a corner kick when Jordan Green lined up a header that went just wide of the left post.
• Rachel Buckle put in another positive chance for the Phoenix off a corner kick rebound, where she saw a flash of goal and pelted it toward the bottom left corner. But the UNCG keeper, Emma Malone, was equal to it.
• UNCG sat back with the 2-0 lead and absorbed the Phoenix pressure until the 90^th minute had passed, and the Spartans claimed their second victory of the season.

 
Notes and Stats
 

• Elon now trails the all-time series with the Spartans, 2-21-3.
• Elon surrendered multiple goals at Rudd Field for the first time in over a year. The last multi-goal performance for an opponent at home was a two-goal performance from N.C. State on Sep. 1, 2022.
• Katie Lowe put in another strong performance at the back. Lowe has shown a strong durability throughout non-conference play, playing 90 minutes in all five contests.
• Kerri Coffman played a stellar center back as well, knocking down balls and clearing headers throughout the match.
• Rachel Buckle played at all three levels, starting her second straight game in the left back role for the Phoenix.
• Morgan Juran, Grace Gelhaus and Gabby Hoschek all made their fifth start of the season. The trio of freshman have started every match so far this season, while Juran has averaged 80 minutes per contest.
• McKenna Dalfonso collected five saves during the match, her second highest total of the season.

 
Up Next
 

• The Phoenix will begin CAA play next Sunday at Monmouth. Elon will challenge the preseason favorites in New Jersey before heading home for three straight conference clashes.