Elon Men’s Soccer Falls to College of Charleston

ELON, N.C. – Chris Thomas had two first-half penalty kick goals, but the Elon men’s soccer team could not overcome its deficit in the opening stanza as the Phoenix would fall to College of Charleston, 3-2, in Southern Conference action on Tuesday night, Oct. 16 at Rudd Field.

The Cougars (7-8, 3-1 SoCon) controlled possession from the onset of the match and managed to get on the board first with a Luke Huggett goal in the ninth minute. Huggett was able to follow a missed corralled attempt by Elon keeper Nathan Dean and dribbled past him to score on the empty netter.

Ten minutes later, College of Charleston extended its advantage to 2-0 after an own goal by the Phoenix on a failed cleared attempt.

The Phoenix was able to get back into the contest as Thomas added his 18th and 19th goals of the year on penalty kicks. Thomas added his first strike in the 24th minute and was able to add the equalizer two minutes later.

The Cougars would break the draw just 10 minutes later on a Connor Coons follow-up goal off a shot attempt by teammate Ralph Lundy.

Despite a 5-2 shot advantage in the second half, the Phoenix could not add the equalizer as the Cougars maintained possession of the ball to run down the clock to prevent Elon from getting back into the game.

Elon’s (9-4-1, 3-2 SoCon) best opportunity for a goal came in the 87th minute as James Brace’s attempt in the box went high over the keeper.

Dean played every minute between the posts and had two saves. Elon also held a 6-4 advantage on corners.

Elon will return to the pitch on Saturday, Oct. 20, in Boone, N.C., for SoCon action against Appalachian State. That match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The match marks Elon’s first at ASU Soccer Stadium since winning the SoCon Tournament title on the field last November.