The No. 13 Elon University men’s soccer team returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Northeastern University in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) action Wednesday afternoon at Rudd Field.
“We played well, the second half particularly we created some really good chances,” said head coach Chris Little. “I’m delighted we got three points in the bag and moved on to be honest.”
Freshman forward Amir Berkane scored the winner in the 72nd minute, slotting home a cross from freshman midfielder Nick Adamczyck. It’s Berkane’s second goal of the year on only his second shot.
“I have to thank coach for giving me a chance today and proving I could score goals for the team,” Berkane said. “I’ve got to take it as it comes I guess, literally any chance I’m just going to shoot and hopefully it goes in.”
Sophomore forward Frantzdy Pierrot opened the scoring. Last season’s CAA Rookie of the Year heading home a corner from sophomore midfielder Daniel Arvidsson for his third goal of the year in the 11th minute. Little said the team should have been expecting Pierrot — the tallest player on the field — would be a target on set pieces.
“I was disappointed in conceding the goal and in the manner that we did,” Little said.
The Phoenix responded in the waning seconds of the first half, as sophomore defender Jonathan Wenger scored with 2.1 seconds remaining to send the match to halftime tied 1-1.Freshman goalkeeper Matthew Jegier’s free kick in the dying moments of the half was headed home by Wenger for his first goal of the year.
Junior midfielder Taylor Adler had a chance of his own in the 58th minute, the ball came to him after a scramble in the box, but his shot banged off the far post.
The Phoenix grabbed the lead soon after in the 72nd minute. Adamczyck sprinted down the right wing beating his defender and set up Berkane who made a run in front of goal and slotted home his second goal of the season.
The Phoenix continues the homestand at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 for a nonconference matchup against Lipscomb University.