The Elon University men’s soccer team defeated Northeastern University 4-2 on Senior Night to win their eighth game of the season. After going scoreless in the first half, the Phoenix responded in the second half with four goals. It was Elon’s first win since defeating William & Mary 2-1 on Oct. 5, as well as their fourth straight trip to the playoffs.
Elon possessed the ball early and often during the first half, outshooting Northeastern 9 to 4. However, they couldn’t convert as graduate goalie Colby Hegarty saved 5 of Elon’s 9 shot attempts.
Despite the missed opportunities, Elon wasn’t discouraged to start the second half.
Senior midfielder Scott Vatne scored 10 minutes into the half with a goal off an assist from redshirt junior midfielder Ryan Manna. It was Elon’s first goal since their 4-1 loss to UNSG on Oct. 15. The goal also put Vatne in sole possession for the team lead in goals.
Elon’s lead would only last for four minutes as Northeastern knotted the score at one with a goal from graduate forward Harry Sankey. They proceeded to add another goal 11 minutes later when junior forward Fraser Brown scored off a penalty kick to give Northeastern a 2-1 lead.
Fortunately for Elon, they got a penalty kick of their own and Vatne scored his second goal of the night.
Elon wasted no time getting back in scoring position shortly after Vatne’s goal. They took a 3-2 lead on a goal from graduate forward Victor Stromsten. It was his first goal since having a hat trick against Radford on Aug. 26.
Graduate student Victor Stromsten and his teammates celebrate during their final home game of the season Oct. 26 as they look toward a fourth-straight CAA Tournament appearance with their 4-2 victory against Northeastern University.
After holding Northeastern scoreless, Elon took full control when Vatne scored his third goal of the game to give him the hat trick.
Vatne said that while it meant a lot to make that significant of a contribution, he was just happy to get the win.
“It’s my job to score and set up others,” Vatne told Elon News Network. “As long as I’m having fun on the field and we have a good performance, that’s what matters.”
He additionally credited head coach Marc Reeves for the offensive production in the second half despite the close first half misses.
“Coach just told us to keep going,” Vatne said. “We didn’t exactly know that we were going to concede two goals, but I’m so proud of the guys today.”
Reeves said he feels fortunate to coach a guy of Vatne’s caliber. He expressed his amazement of Vatne’s ability to elevate his teammates.
“Scott is a special player,” Reeves said. “He’s an incredible player and a great person. He’s always willing to help his teammates out and comes in with a positive attitude even when he’s a bit banged up.”
Senior Scott Vatne kicks the ball in a game against Northeastern University on Oct. 26. Vatne scored 3 goals, leading the Phoenix to victory 4-2.
Reeves gave his players credit for not losing faith offensively in the second half.
“I’m really pleased with the way we responded because there’s a lot of pressure on these kids and they didn’t crumble,” Reeves said.
The win additionally comes at a crucial point in the season where Elon dropped six of their last seven games.
“I’m so proud of the guys today,” Vatne said. “I know we can get back from anything. We just gotta keep going.”
The victory guarantees a fourth-straight trip to the playoffs for the Phoenix. They can clinch the CAA title for the regular season with a win against Campbell on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.