Colonial Athletic Association rivals clashed tonight at Rudd Field as Elon University men’s soccer hosted The Tribe of William & Mary. Although the game ended in a 0-0 draw, the scoreboard only told half the story, as the Phoenix had chance after chance but simply could not find the back of the net. 

Head coach Marc Reeves said he wasn’t surprised that the game was as close as it was.

“A tie, both teams a point, is probably about right. They are well coached and have some really good players,” Reeves said. 

The Phoenix, however, was able to create a number of opportunities, finishing the game with seven shots as well as three corner kicks. Reeves said it was unlucky the Phoenix was not able to find the back of the next.

“We certainly created enough in the second half to win it,” Reeves said. “We had some chances at the back post with our wing-backs. We are unlucky not to get something on the frame, but that’s soccer.”

With the tie, graduate student goalkeeper Ryan Bilichuk rattled off his eighth shutout of the season, tying him with Kip Rackley, from the 1987 Phoenix team, at fifth all-time in shutouts in a single season. 

“It is a good accomplishment,” Bilichuk said. “It shows how good the defense is and what we do as a unit to keep the ball out of the back of the net.”

Graduate student defender Franc Gamiz Quer has also played a pivotal role in helping the Phoenix reach this achievement. Gamiz Quer said that the way the team has played as a whole is what has allowed the Phoenix to be successful this season.

“It’s not only the keeper and defense, it is the whole team. We just give it our all on the field, and it has results,” Gamiz Quer said.

While moving up in the record books is special, Bilichuk said the team is more focused on winning each week than what goes down in the history books.

“The records, that comes later. Getting the dub at the end of the day is what matters,” Bilichuk said.

The Phoenix, now sitting at 7-3-2 overall and 4-1-1 in conference play, are tied for first with Hofstra in the CAA at 13 points a piece. Next Saturday, Oct. 15, the two square off for sole possession of first place. 

Gamiz Quer said the first order of business is for the team to get some rest.

“First of all is rest. Take a couple of days off to recover the legs,” Gamiz Quer said.

Reeves also said players need to rest in the next few days but after that, they look to regroup and prepare.

“We get a full week of preparation,” Reeves said. “Mentally, physically regroup and have some time to prepare for what's always a really tough game.”

Although Hofstra bested the Phoenix in the CAA Tournament Finals last year, Bilichuk said the Phoenix hopes to prove itself as a dominant force in the league.

“We want to establish the win in the conference and our dominance in the league,” Bilichuk said.

With first place on the line, the Phoenix look to make a statement on the road.

“Hopefully we can kill it and get the dub next Saturday,” Bilichuk said.