Elon Claims 5-0 Exhibition Win Over UNC Asheville

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men’s soccer team exploded for five second-half goals on Wednesday night, August 15, at Rudd Field en route to a 5-0 victory over the visiting UNC Asheville Bulldogs.

“It’s nice to play competitive match during the preseason as we continue to work on our fitness level to get ready for the season,” said Elon head coach Darren Powell. “We thought we played well in phases tonight and we need to make sure we can sustain that throughout an entire game.”

After a scoreless first period, the Phoenix opened up the game in the 48th minute when rookie James Brace blasted a shot from 20 yards out off the right post and into the goal to give Elon a 1-0 lead.

Matt Wescoe put Elon head 2-0 in the 66th minute after heading in a Mark Berlin chip into the box over the keeper for the score.

Just one minute later, Eliot Browarsky made it a 3-0 game when he headed in a Daniel Lovitz free kick from 35 yards out into the back of the net.

Jordan Smith scored back-to-back goals in the 71st and 85th minute to give the maroon and gold a five-goal lead. Rookie Myles Mansfield hit Smith inside the center of the box just a few yards away from the goal for his first goal. Fourteen minutes later, Smith struck again after rookie Samuel McBride fed the ball into the center box from about 15 yards out on the left side for the score.

Elon outshot UNCA, 23-3, and ended the match with a 9-3 advantage in corners.

Elon has one more exhibition contest remaining this season. The team heads to Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, August 18, for a 7 p.m. matchup with the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Phoenix’s first regular season game is scheduled for August 25 inside Rhodes Stadium when it welcomes local rival High Point for an 8 p.m.