The Elon University women’s soccer team lost a Friday matinee to Townson University 2-0 on Oct. 24. Goals from senior midfielder Katie Ponce and senior midfielder Morgan Fraczkowski were enough to sink the Phoenix.
Towson took the lead less than five minutes into the match from Ponce. The Westfield, N.J. native received a pass from freshman midfielder Caitlin Oswald at the top of the box and fired home for her sixth goal of the season.
In the 23rd minute, Townson nearly went two ahead off a corner kick. Senior forward Sofia Read’s delivery was redirected on goal by freshman defender Kritstyn Hubbard, but Elon senior goalkeeper Kate Murphy was there make the stop.
Elon finally got its first shot in the 34th minute through senior forward Raychel Diver, but her effort was blocked by the Towson backline.
The Phoenix had a chance to score an equalizer in the 41st minute with a corner kick of its own. Freshman forward Sydney Schilling’s delivery was headed on by Diver, but couldn’t steer home her effort as the ball went wide of the post.
Senior forward Marissa Russo had a chance to equalize for the Phoenix in the 49th minute, but Towson senior goalkeeper Erin Quinn was there to preserve the shutout.
Minutes later, senior defender Rachel Hallman had a chance of her own for the Phoenix, but Quinn was once again there to make the save.
Elon had another chance to equalize in the 61st minute. Sophomore midfielder Olivia O’Brien’s header went just wide of the post.
Towson then put on the pressure looking to extend its lead. In the 66th minute, freshman forward Gabby Scirica’s show was saved by Murphy and deflected out for a corner. Read’s delivery was then headed on by junior defender Vasthy Delgado, but didn’t trouble the Elon defense.
Towson finally got its second goal in the 70th minute. Fraczkowski got on the end of a cross from Scirica and slotted past Murphy from the 6-yard box.
The Phoenix will wrap up its regular season on Sunday, Oct. 26 with a trip to Harrisonburg, Va., to take on James Madison University at 1 p.m.