Elon Women’s Soccer Rolls to 2-0 Victory Over Liberty

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University women’s soccer team shut down a powerful Liberty Flames squad on Friday night, Sept. 20, at Rudd Field, claiming a 2-0 win.

The Phoenix (5-1-1) kept the Flames (5-3) to limited scoring opportunities for all 90 minutes to earn the shutout, its fifth of the season.

“Our team played a complete 90-minute game tonight,” said Elon head coach Chris Neal. “Liberty has proven they’re an extremely dangerous team. If you look at their results, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out they’ve had a great start. For us to limit that team to the chances they had today, I was very impressed and extremely proud.”

Raychel Diver gave the maroon and gold the lead just before half after knocking in a shot directly in front of the goal in the 41st minute off a previous strike off the crossbar by Catherine Brinkman.

Just after intermission, Marissa Russo put the Phoenix ahead 2-0 after lofting a shot from the right side over the head of Liberty keeper Holly Van Noord for the goal. Nicole Dennion earned the assist, giving the sophomore her team-leading 15th point of the season.

Kate Murphy earned the clean sheet for Elon, her second of the season. Murphy moved ahead of former Elon goalie Lauren Ounjian on Elon’s career shutouts list and now sits at fifth all-time with 15 career shutouts. Murphy registered five saves in the win over Liberty.

The Phoenix outshot the Flames 12-6 and ended the night with a 3-0 edge in corners.

Dating back to last year, Elon has come away with a win or draw in nine of its last ten matches at Rudd Field. The Phoenix remains unbeaten (4-0-1) this season.

Next up for Elon is a non-conference road trip to VCU on Sunday, Sept. 22. Kick is slated for 1 p.m.