The Elon University women’s soccer team was hoping to keep their stellar start to the season going into their match against N.C. State in Raleigh Thursday night. But, a hungry Wolfpack team scored goals in both halves, netting a 2-0 victory over the Phoenix for their first win of the season.
The Wolfpack (1-2) struck first in the 27th minute, when midfielder Ella Bonner volleyed a bouncing ball from 25 yards out, striking it past Hanna Macauley. State doubled its lead in the second half on a goal by forward Alexa Allen in the 73rd minute, which closed out the scoring.
The Phoenix had chances throughout the match but came up empty at every turn. In the very first minute, sophomore forward Susannah Anderson swung a cross into the box, just missing with the cross.things appeared to be in Elon’s favor. Shots from Grace Bennett and Taylor Glenn early on were part of a strong match for the Phoenix, but Bonner’s goal got the ball rolling for the Wolfpack.
While the Phoenix had more shots on goal than the Wolfpack (five to four), State’s amount of shots (10 to Elon’s seven) and corner kicks (six to three) displayed a more balanced view of the game.
Elon, which moves to 1-1 on the season, has a quick turnaround, traveling out to Tennessee to face Chattanooga in a non-conference matchup Sunday afternoon. N.C. State also travels to Tennessee for a Sunday match, where they will face East Tennessee State.