Rising Phoenix: Murdock Seals 2-1 Victory After Beck’s First Career Goal

ELON, N.C. – Led by freshman forward Jess Beck's first collegiate goal and a late game-winner by redshirt sophomore forward Isa Murdock, the Elon University women's soccer team extended its winning streak with a thrilling 2-1 victory over William & Mary on Thursday night.

The Phoenix secured its fifth conference win, marking the team's best start since 2001 and solidifying Elon's position as the top team in the CAA.

The win was truly a special one, and it all started with Beck. She found herself perfectly positioned in the box after a beautiful through ball from senior midfielder Kennedy Jones. With just the keeper to beat, she slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, putting Elon ahead in the 62nd minute.

62' | JESS BECK ??????

Jess makes it a 1-0 score with her 1st collegiate goal!#PhoenixRising | #EUWSOC pic.twitter.com/BggzZsXam9
— Elon Women's Soccer (@ElonWSoccer) October 11, 2024

As exciting as it was for the Phoenix to take a 1-0 lead that late into the match, the goal meant even more for Beck, marking her first career goal for the Phoenix.

"It obviously means a lot. I was really really excited," Beck said. "When Kennedy [Jones] played me that ball, I knew I was onside. I called for it, hoped for the best, and played it in."

While spirits were high for Elon still up by one, the equalizer came just nine minutes later by William & Mary's Elaina Longjohn, which created tension among the teams. As the time left had cut to just under 10 minutes, it became clear that either someone was going to score a late game-winner, or both teams were going home in a draw.

After two consecutive shots by Murdock from distance and a William & Mary corner kick broken up by the Phoenix, sophomore midfielder Gabby Hoschek sent a ball straight back up the middle of the field to Murdock in attacking position.

Taking a couple dribbles into the left side of the box, Murdock ripped a shot far post across her body, beating the keeper and giving Elon the decisive goal with just six minutes left to play.

84' | Isa coming in clutch with her 5th goal of the season ???????

Elon-2, W&M-1#PhoenixRising | #EUWSOC pic.twitter.com/2eapSdmsHV
— Elon Women's Soccer (@ElonWSoccer) October 11, 2024

"It's just really awesome," Murdock said. "Our team has been working so hard together; Gabby [Hoschek] played a great ball, so I just had to do my job and finish it for the win."

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With the victory, Elon sits comfortably atop the conference standings. The Phoenix will look to maintain its momentum, facing the College of Charleston this Sunday, Oct. 13 at 1 p.m.

'Rising Phoenix' is a student-led initiative to cover Elon Athletics. Through innovative content creation and storytelling, Elon University students will have the opportunity to highlight the moments, people and events that make an impact, leveraging the athletic department's various web and social media platforms for distribution. Follow Rising Phoenix on X (@EURisingPhoenix) and Instagram (@elonrisingphoenix). Interested in joining this initiative as a content creator (video, graphics, writing, storytelling, or more)? Contact Chase Strawser at cstrawser@elon.edu.

--ELON--

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Players Mentioned

#27 Gabby Hoschek: MF; 5' 6"; Sophomore

#24 Kennedy Jones: MF; 5' 6"; Senior

#7 Isa Murdock: F; 5' 8"; Redshirt Sophomore

#21 Jess Beck: F/MF; 5' 7"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#27 Gabby Hoschek
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: MF

#24 Kennedy Jones
: 5' 6"; Senior
: MF

#7 Isa Murdock
: 5' 8"; Redshirt Sophomore
: F

#21 Jess Beck
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: F/MF