On a night where space was scarce and chances even rarer, Elon University and Campbell University men’s soccer fought to a 0-0 draw in a tense affair at Rudd Field under the lights Sept. 26. 

The result mirrored the run of play — two evenly matched teams locked in a midfield stalemate, trying to control as much possession as possible but struggling to produce any sustained attacking threat. There were just six shots combined, three on target, and 21 fouls with six yellow cards issued, underscoring the physicality and tension that defined the night. 

Elon came out in the first half looking to build through sophomore midfielder Weston Jonke, who dictated the tempo. The Phoenix found moments of rhythm in possession early, but couldn’t capitalize.  

“It just comes with patience, being able to set the tempo of the game,” Jonke said after the game. “I’m a guy that loves to get on the ball, whether I have to drop deeper or stay high to find the pockets. I think where we find success is where I’m on the ball a lot of the time.” 

Campbell made a critical adjustment after the break, switching to a more aggressive man-marking press that disrupted Elon's buildup and forced a shift in strategy. 

“They did a lot of man pressing, which  obviously makes the game difficult as a center mid when you’ve got a guy on your back,” Jonke said. “We could have done a little bit better with the off-ball movement.

After emphasizing possession in the first half, the Phoenix leaned into longer, more direct play in the second. Head coach Marc Reeves said he didn’t think switching play styles was a conscious decision.

“You don’t want to overplay and end up losing at home to a  team like that,” Reeves said. “It was a really tight, close game.” 

The best chance to score came in the first half, when Elon junior forward Jordin Wilson tried a flick on a cross into the box, nearly catching Campbell’s goalkeeper off guard. 

“Jordin got a little unlucky with a good creative flick towards the goal,” Reeves said. 

Despite the lack of goals, Elon’s defensive solidity remained a bright spot. The Phoenix has conceded just three goals through its first nine matches. 

“I don’t think we gave up much tonight,” Reeves added. “That’s where you want to be — hard to  beat.” 

Tonight’s result marks graduate student goalkeeper Jackson Leavitt's sixth shutout, which leads the Coastal Athletic Association.  

The result also halts a brief two-match slide for Elon, following a tough road loss at Longwood. Still, Jonke remains confident. 

“We’ve been struggling in the final third in the last couple games,” he said. “I feel confident in where the boys are at and where we can go next.”