Elon Women’s Soccer Claims 1-0 Victory Over Georgia Southern

ELON, N.C. – Chelsey Stark’s score in the 25th minute and a solid defensive effort helped the Elon University women’s soccer team to a 1-0 shutout against Georgia Southern on Friday night, Oct. 12, at Rudd Field.

Elon improves to 5-6-5 (3-1-3 Southern Conference) with the win, while GSU falls to 6-5-4 (2-4-1 Southern Conference) with the setback.

“Tonight was a grinder of a game and I’m proud of the discipline we showed,” said Phoenix head coach Chris Neal. “There wasn’t a lot of rhythm to tonight’s game, which our team was prepared for. We didn’t create a lot of chances, but we did create quality ones, including our first goal.”

Stark netted her second goal of the season when Simi Dhaliwal hit her from the left side of the box near the right post for an open look. Stark’s strike landed in the back right corner of the goal to give the maroon and gold a 1-0 lead. Kimmie Krauss also earned an assist on the goal.

The Phoenix defense and goalie Kate Murphy kept the Lady Eagles in check for all 90 minutes in the win. The shutout marks the fifth of the season for Murphy, as the Sterling, Va., native registered six saves for Elon.

Elon ended the night with four total shots (two on goal), while the Lady Eagles finished with nine shots, including six on target. GSU also held a 5-1 advantage in corners.

Elon returns to Rudd Field on Sunday at 2 p.m. when it hosts Davidson on Senior Day. The team will celebrate the careers of seniors Shannon Foley, Claire O’Keeffe, Shannon Cosgrove and Jaclyn Wood.