ELON, N.C. – Susannah Anderson’s fourth goal of the season helped the Elon University women’s soccer team earn a 1-1 draw against Western Carolina on Thursday evening, Aug. 31, at Rudd Field.
After Emily Threatt scored the opening goal in the 14th minute, Anderson leveled the match just over a minute later to bring the match level. Anderson scored a goal for the fourth consecutive game and is the first Phoenix to do so since Nicole Dennion in 2013.
“Western Carolina was very organized, tough, and hard working tonight,” said head coach Chris Neal. “They had a fantastic tactical approach that caused us a lot of frustration and problems, especially in the first half. Looking back at this match, however, I think we are going to be extremely disappointed with the chances we didn’t put away. Although we feel very frustrated with the draw, the positive is that we continue to create quality scoring opportunities in each match. We just need to finish more.”
The Phoenix moves to 3-1-1 overall and the Catamounts’ record becomes 1-2-1 overall after the draw.
HIGHLIGHTS
Western Carolina scored first in the 14th minute as Emily Threatt’s shot inside the six-yard box off a deflected clearance trickled into the right corner.
Just over a minute later, Anderson continued her goal-scoring spree this season scoring in her fourth straight match off Meredith Christopher’s corner kick to level the match. Elon outshot the Catamounts 7-3 in the half and put six of its seven attempts on frame.
Carson Jones came close to putting the Phoenix ahead in the 76th minute, redirecting a cross off the right post. Elon held the 7-4 edge in the second period on the shot chart, but couldn’t find a winner, sending the match into extra time.
Kendall Ballotti created the best chance for the maroon and gold in the first overtime getting free on a corner kick from Amanda Lasater, her free header was saved by Natalia Icen.
In the second overtime, Jones came close again on a cross from the left side. Her attempt just missed on the right side of the far post. Shot attempts were even at 3-3 during overtime.
NOTES
– Susannah Anderson has now scored in four consecutive games. The last Phoenix to score in four straight matches was Nicole Dennion, as she also achieved the feat in 2013.
– The goal for Anderson was the 10th of her career and she has a total of 25 career points.
– Meredith Christopher tallied her team-high third assist of the season. She now has a team-high 11 points for the year.
UP NEXT
The Phoenix returns to Rudd Field on Sunday, Sept. 3, to host No. 20-ranked NC State at 7 p.m. You can watch the game live on Phoenix All-Access.