Shots filled up the stat sheet, but the Elon University women’s soccer team was only able to find the back of the net twice against the Hampton University Pirates in a 2-0 win on Thursday. 

In the end, the Phoenix sent out a season high 32 shots, and a complimentary 11 corner kicks yet only had two goals to show for it after 90 minutes of action against the bottom-ranked team in the Colonial Athletic Association. 

Although Elon got the win, as well as three points toward the CAA standings, head coach Neil Payne said he was a little frustrated there was not more to show for it.

“A little bit disappointed in not scoring more goals,” Payne said. “But the most important thing was three points.”

One of the two goals was scored in the seventh minute when senior midfielder Abby Fusca was loose on a breakaway with just Alexis Deveaux, Hampton’s goalie, in front of her. After two dribbles, Fusca buried a shot in the bottom half of the goal, snapping what was a six game goal-less skid.

“It was really important to score one early,” Fusca said. “It just got us more comfortable.”

However, after jumping to the early 1-0 lead, it took the Phoenix another fifty minutes to find the back of the net, even though the team had chance after chance.

“We got in some good areas but need a higher level of concentration,” Payne said. “It could have been a lot more clinical in front of goal.”

It took over 50 minutes until the Phoenix was able to capitalize again. In the 58th minute freshman forward Ashlee Brehio found herself wide open inside the 18-yard box and sent a screamer past Deveaux for her team leading sixth goal on the year.

“Just coming in and being able to play well with everybody is really great,” Brehio said. “We have a really good team dynamic.”

Brehio leads Elon with six goals this season. Payne said he is pleased with the immediate impact she has made for the Phoenix so far.

“She’s added to the quality of the team,” Payne said. “She’s capable of scoring goals and she’s got a versatility to her play.” 

Throughout the contest, Elon’s strong offensive attack allowed it to play keep away from the Pirates, never letting them get any traction on the offensive side of the ball. Payne said even though the Phoenix came in with a plan, they knew that they would need to adjust throughout the game.

“You have to adapt to your opponent,” Payne said.

While the Phoenix currently have two more games in the regular season, the team’s last home game is Sunday against the William and Mary Tribe. However, for Fusca, a five-year starter, and the other seniors, it will be their last match on Rudd Field.

“It’s definitely going to be bittersweet because it’s been five years now,” Fusca said. “To get a win at home for a bunch of the seniors, the last one, that’s going to be really important.”

The Phoenix have 12 points in the CAA standings and sit just two points out of first place as the team looks to make one final push to the postseason.

“There is everything to play for,” Payne said.