ELON, N.C - The Jacksonville men's soccer team fell 1-0 to reigning CAA regular season champion Elon in a closely contested match.
The Dolphins and Phoenix started the match even however the home side struck early in the first minutes. Phoenix midfielder Scott Vann opened the scoring on a chip from long range versus the Dolphin defense. Soon after, Jeppe Jordoson and Mason Duval attempted to answer back before the half. Unsuccessful, the clubs continued to battle it out with the score holding at 1-0 heading into the half.
Head coach Ali Simmons and the Dolphins came in the second half creating many chances to tie. Dolphins came out aggressive with Olivier Correa getting a great look at the net. As the match concluded, Andres Perez de Gracia and Mason Duval had good looks with the chance to tie the match, but both attempts were stifled by Elon's defense. The Dolphins kept the pressure on the Phoenix pushing the second half and hitting the post, but Elon held on to win their home opener.
WHAT THEY SAID
"It was quite a different game to Duke on Friday night," said head coach Ali Simmons. "The boys showed quality in possession and controlled the game for good periods against a formidable opponent. We created enough chances to get something out of the game and it is disappointing to come away empty handed this weekend.
"Having said that, we have competed against two NCAA tournament teams and showed we belonged at that level in both games. As a coaching staff we learned a lot about our group which is exciting for the upcoming games."
ADDITIONAL NOTES
WHATS NEXT
The Dolphins are now preparing for September 1, another trip on the road to Massachusetts to take on Boston College. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m on Friday.
