ELON, N.C. – Elon University men’s soccer defeated William & Mary, 2-1, behind Jalen Weatherspoon’s golden goal in overtime on Saturday, April 10.
“Another tight CAA game that I am thrilled for our group to get a win like this at home,” head coach Marc Reeves began. “We had a poor first half and deserved to be a goal down, however we responded really well to push the pace in the second half and create a ton of great chances. Cam had to make a couple of excellent saves, but we hit the cross bar twice and had some great open looks that should have seen us get a second goal in regulation. Dealing with weather delays and winning in OT often comes down to the group that just comes out a little more hungry to force the ball over the line and win. That’s exactly what we were able to do today and again I am really pleased for the players.”
THE RUNDOWN
– In the 99th minute and with the score tied at 1-1, Jalen Weatherspoon scored the golden goal on assists from Mattias Cooper and Jannik Vidabaek respectively. Cooper initiated the sequence with his cross from the left side before Vidabaek’s header led to an open shot from Weatherspoon. The play lifted Elon to a 2-1 victory and gave Weatherspoon his first goal of the season.
– With Elon trailing 1-0 in the 55th minute, Mattias Cooper drained a corner-kick to tie the game early in the second half. The shot, taken from the left corner, floated over the defense and past the outstretched hands of William & Mary’s keeper before finding the back of the net.
– Despite racking up three shots on goal in the final 10 minutes of the contest, Elon was unable to break the tie as both sides headed into overtime knotted up at 1-1.
– William & Mary had a few chances to take the lead late in the second half but back-to-back saves from Cameron Pelle thwarted their attempts in the 86th and 89th minute respectively.
– Alexander Levengood scored the first goal of the match in the 31st minute. The play gave Charleston a 1-0 first half lead.
NOTES
– Mattias Cooper led the way for the Phoenix, scoring his second goal of the season in the 55th minute of action. Cooper also led the team in shots (4), shots on goal (3) and assists (1) in the match.
– Jalen Weatherspoon scored his first goal of the season give Elon the close victory.
– Jannik Vidabaek logged an assist on the game’s final play, tying him for the team lead with two assists this season.
– Christian Lauenborg and Mason Duval each logged one shot and one shot on goal for Elon.
– Cameron Pelle picked up the win in goal for the Phoenix, logging six saves on the day. Pelle has made 24 saves in his six games played.
– Elon held a 13-11 advantage in shots with all 13 shots coming in the second half or in overtime.
– The Phoenix will end its season on a two-match winning streak.