Elon Women’s Soccer Drops 2-1 Decision at Samford

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Elon University women’s soccer team saw its streak of three consecutive shutouts come to an end on Sunday, Oct. 21, as the Phoenix dropped a 2-1 decision to the Samford Bulldogs at Samford Soccer Stadium.

The Phoenix made a late run in the match, as Shannon Foley pushed in a deflected shot off a Catherine Brinkman corner near the left post to cut Samford’s lead in half, 2-1. Angela Funari also earned an assist on the goal.

Elon managed to get off a shot on frame in the 82nd minute off the foot of Kendall Stanley, but the Bulldogs kept the Phoenix scoreless to preserve the win.

The shutout streak marked the longest for the Phoenix since the team recorded three in-a-row during the 2008 season. Elon, unbeaten in its previous seven matches heading into today’s tilt with the Bulldogs, falls to 6-7-6 (4-2-4 Southern Conference) on the year. Samford improves to 10-6-2 (7-1-2 Southern Conference) with the win.

“I’m proud of the way we battled today against a talented Samford team,” said Phoenix head coach Chris Neal. “I thought we had some good chances late in the game, but the ball just didn’t bounce our way today. We look forward to closing out the regular season at home on Wednesday night.”

The Bulldogs struck first, as Lindsey Hansen one-touched a ball to the right of Phoenix goalie Kate Murphy on a cross from Hallie Georgi just before halftime.

Brittany Hoffman made it a 2-0 game in the 58th minute after striking a shot from 25 yards out off the crossbar and into the back of the net for the goal.

Foley’s goal in the 75th minute, her second of the season, brought the Phoenix within one late, but the maroon and gold could not pull any closer.

The Phoenix put three of its four shots on target in the setback, while Samford landed nine of its 19 shots on goal.

Elon returns to Rudd Field on Wednesday, Oct. 24, for its regular-season finale against local rival UNCG. Kick is set for 7 p.m.