Elon Women’s Soccer Falls to James Madison 1-0

ELON, N.C. – Ginger Deel scored early for the Dukes in the 25th minute and despite some great opportunities for the Elon University women’s soccer team, the Phoenix was unable to get a result its way as James Madison held on for the 1-0 victory on Sunday, Sept. 24, at Rudd Field.

BOX SCORE

“It was a great battle versus James Madison,” said head coach Chris Neal. “They are a team that will be there in the end competing for a championship. We had very inspirational efforts from a variety of players today. We created some great scoring chances and did not capitalize. That’s basically what it boils down to in CAA play, you have to finish your chances. I’m excited by the quality of play our squad is producing right now and can’t wait to see them on the pitch again Thursday versus another great CAA opponent in Towson.”

Elon’s unbeaten streak ends at five matches as the Phoenix falls to 7-3-2 overall and 0-1-1 in CAA play after the loss. James Madison remains undefeated in league play improving to 7-4-0 overall and 2-0-0 in CAA action after the win.

HIGHLIGHTS
Tori Baliatico had a great chance to put the Phoenix ahead in the 19th minute, getting behind the back line for a one-on-one chance. However, James Madison’s Olivia Miller made the save in net. Baliatico has another shot saved by Miller in the 23rd minute in another opportunity for the Phoenix.

James Madison struck in the 25th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Deel got on the end of a deflected back-heel pass from Stephanie Hendrie after Haley Crawford’s cross and finished past Elon goalkeeper Hanna Macaulay.

Elon had a couple of good looks in the first 45 minutes. The Dukes held the 9-5 lead in the shot count in the first half and held a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

The Dukes came out of the break with four chances in the first nine minutes, but only got one on frame in the 54th minute as Macaulay made the save. Nicole Caston also had free header in the 60th minute hit the right post.

Meredith Christopher had great chance blocked inside the box in the 64th minute and Baliatico’s follow-up shot from range was saved.

Hannah Doherty created Elon’s best chance to equalize in the 79th minute, attempting to lob James Madison’s goalkeeper, but Miller made the save, tipping the ball off the crossbar as the Dukes held on for the 1-0 win.

James Madison outshot the Phoenix 18-11 and held an 11-5 edge in the corner count. However, Elon had the 5-3 advantage in shots on goal. Hanna Macaulay made two saves in goal for the Phoenix.

NOTES
– The Phoenix had its unbeaten streak snapped at five matches after the loss to James Madison.
– The 1-0 loss is only the second time this season that Elon has been shut out. The other time was on Sept. 4 against NC State.

UP NEXT
The Phoenix continues CAA action on the road next week at Towson on Thursday, Sept. 28, and at College of Charleston on Sunday, Oct. 1.