Updated as of 12:17 p.m. on Oct. 28 to include video.
Elon University women’s soccer ended their match with a 0-0 draw against the College of Charleston, concluding the regular season undefeated at home. As a result, the Phoenix now qualify for the Coastal Athletic Association conference, which prompted postgame enthusiasm and celebration.
Head coach Neil Payne said he is excited for the team to head to conference finals.
“I’m so excited for the group,” Payne said. “We felt like we’ve been playing well for a long time. Not just a win, but we’re undefeated at home, which speaks volumes for how we’ve played this season.”
Throughout the first half of the game, Elon focused efforts on an offensive attack, attempting six shots, two made by junior defender Grace Gelhaus.
As time passed with no goals made, the Phoenix shifted to a defensive strategy, a response to the rapidly increasing aggression of the College of Charleston’s offensive plays.
In a 10-minute stretch, the Cougars made a total of three failed shots, two closely saved by sophomore goal keeper Katie Bisgrove, adding up to their total of six. Half time ended with no goals made.
“We should have scored a couple of goals,” Payne said. “But, we knew a tie would be enough.”
Payne was aware Charleston favored offensive strategies, pushing forward their numbers on the field. At half time he knew he would have to shift his team’s own tactics.
Early on in the second half of the match, senior midfielder Ashlee Brehio made an attempt at a goal and although it was off target, Elon continued its offensive attack with six more shots.
Though Elon displayed strength in offense, creating pressure by sending the ball to their opponents side frequently, it was their defense against Charleston’s that worked to give them their celebratory ending.
“They’re a good attacking team,” Payne said. “We’ve got a lot of respect for them, so it makes sense for us to manage the game in those moments and defend well. Our goalkeeper and back line were immense towards the end.”
In a show of experience and collaboration, the Phoenix demonstrated their defensive capabilities, saving and blocking a total of seven of nine shots made by Charleston.
“There’s always pressure in games, especially with something like the conference tournament on the line,” Gelhaus said. “We did good at staying composed and playing our game and not letting the pressure get to us, which is what got us to tie in the end.”
Gelhaus felt the high energy from her team throughout the game. She said she knew even if she had not performed well during the game, her teammates on and off the field were prepared to support her. While the team would have preferred a win, their goal of tournament qualification was met, so the game ended with their spirits high.
“We all know what we’re all fighting for,” Gelhaus said. “We know how it feels to win games, lose games, and at the end of the day, we’re all one big community.”
The team is now scheduled to travel to Virginia to compete in the CAA conference quarterfinals in a rematch against William & Mary on Oct. 30.