The Elon University men's soccer team defeated Georgia Southern University 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the Southern Conference tournament Nov. 6 in Statesboro, Ga. Elon will face second-seeded Furman University at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11 in Boone.
The Phoenix, the sixth seed in the tournament, entered the game 6-10-2 overall, 2-5 in the SoCon while the third-seeded Eagles came in 8-7-1 overall, 4-3 in conference play.
A goal by junior midfielder Gabe Latigue in the 48th minute proved to be the difference, as Elon upset Georgia Southern 1-0. By winning Nov. 6, Elon was able to avenge its 4-2 loss to Georgia Southern earlier this year at Rudd Field.
"The team showed great character, determination and resiliency to keep a clean sheet," head coach Darren Powell said. "We scored a good goal to start the second half and we were able to hold on against a talented GSU team."
Elon dominated large stretches of the game, outshooting the Eagles 14-10 with an 8-3 advantage in the second half. The Elon defense was able to hold the Eagles' potent offensive attack scoreless, which was an important factor, according to Powell.
"The team had a strong focus today and stuck to our game plan," Powell said. "Our team was hard to break down today, so all in all a good team defensive display."
Powell knew how important it was for his team to get this first win in the tournament, especially playing on the road.
"The team knows that to achieve one of our goals we have to win the games in the playoffs," he said. "So to get the first win is massive, as it allows our season to continue into next week. Having been on the road, we will be prepared for next weekend also. Our focus is now firmly on next Friday's match."
To have any shot at an NCAA tournament berth, the Phoenix must win the SoCon Championship, something it has never done.
The team reached the championship game only once before, in 2009, when the Phoenix advanced to the title game against Wofford College.