Elon Women’s Soccer Battles WCU to 1-1 Draw in SoCon Opener

CULLOWHEE, N.C. – The Elon University women’s soccer team opened up Southern Conference play on Friday night, Sept. 21, as the Phoenix battled the Western Carolina Catamounts to a 1-1 draw at the Catamount Athletic Complex.

Elon moves to 2-5-3 (0-0-1 SoCon) while Western goes to 4-4-1 (0-0-1 SoCon).

“I am extremely proud of their girls for the resilience they showed on the road in their Southern Conference opener,” said Phoenix head coach Chris Neal. “Western Carolina is a dangerous and well-coached team and kept us on our heels all game. We had a number of players at the very end, specifically Kate Murphy, that performed well for us in key moments down the stretch.”

The Phoenix’s lone goal came courtesy of sophomore Caroline O’Dee. O’Dee netted her first-career score in the 17th minute when she struck a shot from 20 yards out and bounced it over WCU goalie Katie Jacobs to give the maroon and gold a 1-0 edge.

An Elon foul in the box in the 76th minute led to a Western Carolina penalty kick for Lindsay Carter. Carter managed to get her strike behind Kate Murphy for the score, knotted the game at 1-1.

Jennifer McGorty nearly gave Elon the golden goal in the first overtime, but her shot in the 97th minute was snared by Western goalie Jennifer Lauer.

The Phoenix held off the Catamounts in the final four minutes, as Western Carolina registered five shots down the stretch, two of which were saved by Murphy. Murphy ended the match with a career-high 11 saves.

Elon returns home on Sunday, Sept. 23, when it hosts instate rival Appalachian State at 2 p.m.