In what has become a familiar refrain this season, the Elon University men’s soccer team held host College of William and Mary off the scoreboard, but was unable to find the back of the net and had to settle for a scoreless draw Wednesday, Oct. 8 in Williamsburg, Va.
The Phoenix, which has experienced several prolonged scoring droughts already this season, has now gone two full games and an additional 25 minutes since its last goal — a volley from close range from junior forward James Brace in the 64th minute of its 1-0 win over High Point University Sept. 30.
It is the sixth time the Phoenix has shutout its opponent in 11 games, yet the fourth time it’s been held scoreless.
Elon had nearly double the amount of shots, 17-9, and took 10 corners to the Tribe’s 2. Elon senior goalkeeper Nathan Dean, who earned his 22nd career shutout, which tied him with former Elon and current Colorado Rapids keeper Clint Irwin on the school’s all-time list, made four key saves to keep his team afloat.
Yet the Phoenix came away with nothing but another frustrating draw, its third this season.
Dean’s most impressive and important saves, came in the 83rd minute. Freshman forward/midfielder William Eskay fired a bullet that Dean was able to get his hands on enough to deflect it. But the ball bounced right to the foot of sophomore forward Reilly Maw, who appeared to have a clear shot on goal before Dean jumped in and corralled the ball before it found the back of the net, thus preserving the tie.
The draw moves Elon to 4-4-3 overall, and 0-1-1 in Colonial Athletic Association play, while the Tribe move to 4-7-1 overall, 1-1-1 in CAA play.
Elon will continue CAA play at home on Saturday, Oct. 11th, when it takes on Northeastern University at Rudd Field. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.