Elon, N.C.- After 45 minutes, the matchup between the Elon Phoenix (9-6-1, 5-2 CAA) and the Northeastern Huskies (3-5-7, 1-4-2 CAA) was scoreless. The offenses combined for six goals in the second half, three of which came from Elon's
Scott Vatne in the 4-2 win.
Vatne put together the finest performance of his collegiate career in his final regular season game at Rudd Field. His seven-point performance was the most in a game this season by a Phoenix and his hat trick was the second from Elon this season.
Victor Stromsten collected the game winning goal with Vatne collecting the assist.
How It Happened
- The Phoenix pressed the Huskies early with Ryan Manna putting a shot in less than three minutes in.
- Scott Vatne had the first attempt on target of the game from a long-distance free kick but the effort was saved.
- August Guinle and Calle Edelstam would each have a shot on target before Elon's best opportunity of the half.
- Following a turnover, Connor Mucchetti unleashed a belter with cover from several Husky defenders. A fine save from the Northeastern keeper kept it out of the net and pushed wide for a corner.
- Majaliwa Msabaha had the final chance on frame in the first half when his near post effort was saved as well.
- Elon continued to create chances in the second half when one finally fell for the Phoenix. After a through ball through the right side, Manna found the ball at his feet and passed to an open Vatne who sidestepped and buried the chance just outside the six-yard box.
- Northeastern would have a counter, off an Elon turnover, the Northeastern Huskies struck on the volley to beat Tomasz Wroblewski at the far post.
- The Huskies would score again from the penalty spot in the 71st minute to take a 2-0 lead.
- Elon would respond less than 60 seconds later. Following a hand ball in the box from Northeastern, Vatne buried his penalty to tie up the game at two.
- No more than three minutes later, Vatne got on his bike and found a wide-open Victor Stromsten who buried a one-on-one chance with the keeper to give the Phoenix a 3-2 lead.
- Vatne sealed the game with eight minutes left when his free kick from 25 yards out eluded the Huskies' wall and found the bottom right corner to seal his hat trick and seal Elon's spot in the CAA Tournament.
Notes and Stats
- The Phoenix improves to 9-6-1 on the season following the win over Northeastern.
- Elon's 5-2 record puts them on top of the conference with a game in hand on Monmouth who are equal on 15 points.
- Scott Vatne finished with three goals and an assist on the night, having a hand in every goal the Phoenix scored. His 25 points are the most by a Phoenix since the 2015 season and they are the most points by a midfielder in a season since at least 2012.
- Victor Stromsten found the back of the net for the first time in CAA play and collected his game-winning goal this season.
- Ryan Manna collected an assist on the night, setting up Vatne's first goal.
- For the fourth straight season, Elon is headed to the CAA Tournament. Elon has reached the CAA semifinals in three straight seasons and can clinch the #1 seed and the outright, regular season title with a win next week at Campbell.
Up Next
The Phoenix will conclude regular season play at Campbell next Saturday. Kickoff with the Camels will be at 7 PM in Buies Creek, N.C.
