Top-Seeded Elon Rallies Past Men’s Soccer in SoCon Quarterfinals, 2-1

Saturday, November 3

Elon, N.C.

7:00 p.m.

Davidson College Athletics

6-11-1, 2-5SoCon

No. 23 Elon

13-4-2, 5-2SoCon

Team	1	2	Final F
Davidson	1	0	1
Elon	0	2	2

Photo by: Tim Cowie - DavidsonPhotos.com

Top-Seeded Elon Rallies Past Men’s Soccer in SoCon Quarterfinals, 2-1

11/3/2012 9:08:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

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ELON, N.C. – No. 23 and top-seeded Elon scored a pair of second-half goals to rally past upset-minded Davidson, 2-1, in the opening round of the 2012 Southern Conference Men's Soccer Tournament Saturday evening at Rudd Field.

The Wildcats conclude the season 6-11-1, while the Phoenix advance to the semifinals and will face the winner of UNCG / Georgia Southern on Thursday, Nov. 8 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.

Davidson, which entered scoreless in its last three matches to conclude the regular season, came out aggressive and grabbed the early 1-0 advantage on junior Alex Givens' first goal of the year just 1:57 into the contest.

“This is a tough loss because we did really well in the first half and had a well-earned lead,” said Wildcat head coach Matt Spear.

Givens' first goal since his freshman campaign was assisted by a streaking Brian McGue, who received a terrific through ball from Luke Blades.

“Our defensive scheme frustrated Elon early on and after adjustments they got more dangerous as the second half progressed,” commented Coach Spear.

After a number of shot attempts early in the second half, Elon's Gabe Latigue tied the game, 1-1, in the 65th minute with a strike from just outside the 18-yard box.

Not long after providing the equalizer, Latigue set up Chris Thomas' game-winner and nation-leading 22nd goal of the season with 14:31 left to play.

“We worked hard to contain Chris Thomas, but he made us pay on the game-winner when we lost him too close to goal.”

Elon (13-4-2) finished with a 15-9 advantage in shots, while Davidson held a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.

Both Chris Pettiglio and Ryan Malden had looks at goal in the closing minutes, but were unable to connect and keep the Wildcats' season alive.

The Phoenix' Nathan Dean led both keepers with four saves, while Matt Pacifici stopped three shots for Davidson.

“The coaches want to thank and honor our three seniors and their families for how much they have contributed to the program,” Spear said.