Elon Phoenix Falls Short Against Delaware Blue Hens
Elon, N.C. – The Elon Phoenix women’s soccer team faced a tough challenge against the Delaware Blue Hens, resulting in a 1-0 defeat. Despite dominating the second half and outshooting their opponents, the Phoenix couldn’t find the back of the net.
The game got off to a fast start as Delaware scored just 26 seconds into the match. Raychel Speicher dribbled down the left endline and found the bottom right corner of the net, giving the Blue Hens an early lead. Delaware had a couple more chances in the first few minutes but failed to hit the target.
Elon retaliated with their first shot on target, courtesy of Lydia Totten. However, her attempt from distance was saved by Delaware’s goalkeeper, Kyla Burns. Both teams had their share of opportunities, but none of them were able to capitalize until the 29th minute when Grace Gelhaus’s header went off target.
As the first half came to a close, Elon’s defense stepped up to prevent any further goals. Lea Panagiotidis’s shot was cleared off the line by Grace Gelhaus, and Anna Hamner made a save on a corner kick from Delaware.
The Phoenix came out strong in the second half, creating their best chance of the game. Lydia Totten capitalized on a Delaware turnover and fired a shot that hit the crossbar, denying Elon the equalizer. Despite a flurry of shots from Ashlee Brehio, Grace Gelhaus, and Totten, the Blue Hens’ defense held firm.
In the 71st and 78th minutes, Totten had two more shots on target, but Burns made the saves. Elon could only muster one more shot, a long-range effort from Morgan Juran in the 83rd minute.
The loss drops Elon’s record to 2-7-3, and they are now seven points away from the sixth seed with five games left to play. Delaware’s shutout victory marks the second consecutive season they have kept the Phoenix off the scoreboard.
Some notable stats from the game include Totten’s season-high seven shots with three on target and Elon’s 13-0 shot advantage in the second half. The lone goal was the fastest scored against the Phoenix in the Division I era.
Looking ahead, the Phoenix will aim to bounce back in their next game against Drexel on October 8th at noon. The game’s start time has been changed from the previously scheduled 1 P.M.
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