The Phoenix soccer team beat Furman Oct. 28 to complete a 7-0-0 perfect Southern Conference season. This is Elon's first regular season men's soccer title in the conference. Elon will enter the SoCon tournament Nov. 8 as the top seed, and will host the quarterfinal game on campus.
The Elon Phoenix cappeda perfect run through its 2008 Southern Conference slate with acome-from-behind 4-3 victory over the visiting Furman Paladins fromRudd Field on a cold Tuesday night. Elon’s Justin Wyattscored twice and assisted on another goal to lead the Phoenix to itsseventh victory in as many tries in SoCon games. Elon is now 8-8-1overall and 7-0-0 in league play. The Paladins dropped to 10-7-1,4-3-0.
“It’s great to finish the Southern Conferenceseason at 100 percent,” said Elon head coach Darren Powell. “Tonight’sgame was a difficult one against a quality Furman side. Now we’ll getready for Senior Night against Radford on Saturday.”
Furmanjumped out on top first at 12:45 as Patrick White drove home AndrewKrysiak’s cross on a free kick. The free kick was set up almost like acorner kick for the Paladins. The goal was White’s second of the year.
Krysiakpushed Furman’s lead to 2-0 just over three minute later. PatrickMurray played the ball downfield to Dane Roberts who found Krysiak forthe score at 15:57. It was his fifth tally of the campaign.
Elonanswered at 38:55 as Wyatt carried the ball into the box and leapt overthe sliding Furman keeper. His touch toward the goal was knocked in byAaron Parker for his fifth score of 2008 and took the Phoenix into the break down just one at 2-1.
ThePhoenix stormed back early in the second 45 minutes. Just 3:05 intothe half, Wyatt added to his league-leading goal tally. Brad Franks sent a ball to Wyatt in the box and he beat Furman’s Josh Zimmer for his 10th marker of the year.
Wyattstruck again at 51:41 as Parker played a long ball to Wyatt who racedpast the Furman defense for the score. His 11 goals on the season area career high and give him 24 for his career, tied for fifth on Elon’scareer chart.
Furman had an answer, however, as Eric Cobleigh sent a cross from Jordan Howard past Elon’s Kyle Boerner for his first goal of the year and the equalizer on the night. The goal came at 68:18.
Franks netted his first career game-winner when he headed home a Daniel Street crossing attempt at 70:29. The goal was the second in the past two games for Franks.
Clint Irwinand Boerner split the 90 minutes in goal for Elon. Irwin allowed twoscores and stopped one shot while Boerner made three saves and gave upone goal.
Furman’s Zimmer finished the night with two saves.
Elon out-shot Furman 16-11 overall, but both squads put seven shots on frame.
The win was the first for Elon over Furman in four tries.
ThePhoenix, who will enter the 2008 SoCon Tournament as the top seed, hasone regular season contest remaining. Elon will play host to Radfordon Senior Night at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1.