Elon MSOC Phoenix and Blue Devils to Clash Tuesday in Durham

ELON, N.C. – Facing its second team from the Atlantic Coast Conference this season, the Elon University men’s soccer team will look to snap a six-match winless skid as the Phoenix takes on No. 19 Duke on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Kickoff from Koskinen Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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Follow @ElonMensSoccer
Fans can follow the Phoenix throughout the match on Twitter at the program’s handle @ElonMensSoccer. Other scores and updates will also be provided at the handle @elonscores. The match will also be streamed online on the ACC Network Extra via Watch ESPN.

Series History
The series between Elon and Duke has been dominated by the Blue Devils as the Phoenix trails in the series, 1-11-3 all-time. The matchups have been competitive the last three outings for the Phoenix, with Elon earning its first-ever victory over Duke in 2014 and the past two games having being decided in overtime. The Blue Devils however have come out on top during those last two games, including a 1-0 win in overtime last season in Elon.

Last Time Out
The Phoenix earned its sixth draw of the season as Elon battled College of Charleston to a scoreless stalemate on Saturday, Sept. 30. Despite outshooting the Cougars 17-8 in the match with a 7-3 advantage on goal, Elon went goalless for the fourth time this season with each match ending in a draw. The six draws is also a new single-season high for the team and is tied for the national-lead along with fellow league foe Hofstra.

Redshirt junior keeper Matthew Jegier posted his 23rd career shutout, moving into sole possession of second all-time in school history. The Charlotte, N.C., native moved ahead former Elon and current Toronto FC keeper Clint Irwin ’11 on the program’s all-time career clean sheet list and is now two shy of tying Nathan Dean’s ’14 program record of 25.

The Brothers Agu
Tuesday’s matchup will also be a family affair as Elon’s Elijah Agu will face his younger brother Colby, a sophomore on the Duke men’s soccer team. Elijah Agu has played in eight matches this season and is tied for the team-lead in goals and assist while the younger Agu has appeared in six games for the Blue Devils.

About Elon (3-1-6, 0-1-3 CAA)
After a 2-1 setback at No. 15/14 UNCW last Wednesday, Sept. 27, and its draw against CofC on Saturday, Sept. 30, Elon is now winless in its last six matches with the Phoenix’s last victory coming against Triad rival High Point on Sept. 8. The six-match winless streak is the longest for the program since the team also went winless in its final five matches of last season.

The Elon defense has allowed only four goals thus far in 2017. The Phoenix defense is holding opponents to 9.8 shots per match with 32 total coming on frame (3.2 per match). Elon has allowed one opponent goal or fewer in 17 of its past 20 matches dating back to last season. Jegier has manned every minute in goal for the Phoenix, amassing CAA-bests in goals-against average (0.35), save percentage (.871) and shutouts (seven), which is also second in the nation.

The Phoenix is still trying to find its momentum offensively after scoring only one goal over the past four matches and three total during its six-match winless streak. Elon is averaging less than a goal per game (0.90) and is putting up 10 shots per contest with 40 coming on goal at a .400 percent rate.

Scouting No. 19 Duke (7-2-1, 2-2 ACC)
Duke enters the match after coming off a 1-0 loss versus No. 8 Louisville at home on Saturday. The setback was the first for the Blue Devils after a three-match win streak. Overall, Duke has been unbeaten in six of its past eight matches.

Nine different players have found the back of the net for the Blue Devils, who have posted 20 goals this season while averaging 15.90 shots per match. Duke has 69 shots on target on the year at .434 percent. Senior Brian White leads the charge for Duke offensively with six goals and 13 total points. Carter Manley is the top distributer for the Blue Devils with three assists.

On the other end of the pitch, the Blue Devils’ defense has conceded 11 goals this season with the opposition firing 7.90 shots per match. Of those attempts, 37 have come on goals at .468 percent. Rookie Will Pulisic has made every start between the posts for Duke, amassing a 1.07 GAA with 26 saves and three shutouts.

Up Next
Elon will take nearly a week break before returning to the pitch for a road contest at CAA opponent William & Mary on Wednesday, Oct. 11. That match will begin at 7 p.m.