A UNC Greensboro goal in the 81st minute proved to be the difference as the Spartans defeated the Elon University men's soccer team 1-0 in the final game at Rudd Field this season. In a less than perfect end to Senior Night, eight Phoenix seniors watched as UNCG celebrated the win and the cinching of the regular season SoCon championship.
The Pheonix took on UNCG in its final home game Oct. 29 hoping to finish its Southern Conference regular season with a win before the first round of SoCon tournament play begins Nov. 5.
The Phoenix had many chances to score throughout the match but was unable to finish quality looks in front of the Spartans' goal. This inability to finish eventually cost the Phoenix, as they conceded the lone goal late in the second half.
"I thought we moved the ball well," said head coach Darren Powell. "I thought we created chances well. I thought we actually played very well tonight. We had significantly more shots than they did on the day. (We) created more opportunities. We were unable to put the final touch on it."
Elon dominated most of the game, as the Phoenix had 12 shots and four on goal while Greensboro had only five shots, with just the single goal on target.
"I think when you reflect on tonight's game and the chances we had, I'm sure several of those players would want those (scoring) chances back," Powell said. "So it's just a matter of in the key moments of the game putting that finishing touch on it."
The win improved the Spartans' record to 8-7-1 overall and 5-1-1 in the SoCon. The Spartans also earned the No. 1 seed and a first round home game in the SoCon tournament. Elon's record dropped to 6-10-1 overall and and finish the conference regular season with a record of 2-5.
"(UNC Greensboro) is a talented group, obviously," Powell said. "The league table at the end of the year has them on top it, but I don't think there's a massive gap between any of the teams in the league from top to bottom."
The Phoenix currently ranks No. 6 in the SoCon standings.
Powell said he isn't worried about his team's motivation heading into post-season play and is excited to start what he considers a "new season" this weekend.
"The guys are very motivated for the SoCon tournament," he said. "UNCG has navigated themselves through the regular season (to win the championship), but now Saturday a new season begins with the playoff season, so we're excited for that and we'll give it our best effort"