Elon Men’s Soccer Suffers First CAA Setback at William & Mary, 4-1

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The 10th-ranked Elon University men’s soccer team suffered its first Colonial Athletic Association setback of the year as the Phoenix fell to the Tribe, 4-1, on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Martin Family Stadium.

Elon fell to 8-2 on the year and 2-1 in CAA play while the Tribe improved to 4-3-2 (1-1 CAA). The loss extended the Phoenix’s winless streak to William & Mary to three.

The Rundown
The Tribe provided the match’s first score close to the 17th minute. William and Mary’s Ryan Flesch netted his first goal of the year on a free kick just outside of midfield to put the Phoenix in an early 1-0 deficit.

William & Mary increased its advantage in the 21st minute on a goal by Jackson Eskay. Eskay played the ball near the middle of the 18-yard line and finished inside the left side of the post to put Elon in a 2-0 hole.

Elon only had one shot in the opening stanza, a header attempt by Jaiden Fortune in the 42nd minute, but went into the half down 2-0. The Tribe outshot Elon, 7-1, in the first period as the Phoenix had its first multi-goal deficit in the first half this season.

The Phoenix opened the second session more aggressive offensively, but nearly fell behind 3-0 as Eskay had a clear shot inside the six-yard area. Keeper Matthew Jegier made the leaping save to keep the maroon and gold within reach.

The Phoenix’s had a chance to net its first goal of the match at the 65th minute. Cooper Vandermaas-Peeler drew a foul after being taken down by the goalkeeper inside the box and gave Elon a penalty kick opportunity. Elon failed to take advantage as the penalty kick try was high.

The Tribe tacked on pair of goals inside the 76th and 79th minute to push its lead to 4-0 before the Phoenix added its first goal of the game. Amir Berkane netted his first career score after getting setup by James Brace and Jaiden Fortune to finish around at the wide open net to set the final tally, 4-1.

Match Notes
• Elon fell to 1-4-1 all-time versus the Tribe in a series dating back to 2007 and last defeated Tribe in 2012.
• Both teams were knotted at 12-12 in shots, but the Tribe had eight shots on target while Elon was held to only three.
• The Phoenix blanked the Tribe on corners, 4-0.
• The four goals allowed is a new season-high by the Phoenix.
• Jegier had four saves in the full 90 minutes in the match. His counterpart Mac Phillips had just one save in the full game.

Up Next
Elon is back at home this Saturday, Oct. 3, for a CAA home match versus Northeastern. The Phoenix and the Huskies are scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Rudd Field.