Elon WSOC Phoenix Fall at NC State 2-0

RALEIGH – The NC State Wolfpack used a goal in each half to grab a 2-0 victory over the Elon University women’s soccer team on Thursday, Aug. 27 at Dail Soccer Stadium. Ella Bonner scored in the 26th minute of first half and Alexa Allen tallied the second in the 75th minute to lead NC State to victory.

“We are certainly not happy with the result, although there were a tremendous amount of positives to take from it,” said head coach Chris Neal. “NC State won an important battle in the game and that was set pieces, and that was the difference in the game. However, with this technically being our third game, we did a lot right tonight.”

The Highlights
The Phoenix (1-1) got off to a strong start in the first 15 minutes. Kelly Siewers created the first opportunity in the seventh minute with a great turn after a heel flick pass from Susannah Anderson. However, her shot was blocked by a Wolfpack defender. Grace Bennett followed up with another opportunity in the ninth minute as her shot inside the six-yard box was saved by NC State’s Mackenzie Stelljes.

The Wolfpack (1-2) had their first real chance of the half as Jenna Kalwa’s shot from just behind the penalty spot, but Hannah Macaulay made a nice diving save to keep it scoreless. On their second chance of the half, NC State struck first with a goal by Ella Bonner in the 26th minute as she volleyed a bouncing ball into the back post from 12 yards.

Elon would almost capitalize off a goalkeeper mistake, but Alex Hamer’s shot off the post was called back after an offside call. The Wolfpack held a 1-0 advantage at the half.

In the second half, Elon responded quickly with a chance on frame by Tori Balliatico, but the keeper denied her in the 46th minute. After mostly a non-eventful first 20 minutes, NC State extended its lead 2-0 in the 75th minute with a goal from Allen. The Phoenix created some good chances down the stretch, but the Wolfpack held on to the 2-0 win.

Match Notes
– Despite losing the shot count 10-7, Elon had more chances on goal with a 5-4 advantage and forced the Wolfpack goalkeeper to make five saves.
– Glenn had a strong performance for the Phoenix creating two chances, both of which were on frame.
– Hamer, Bennett, and Balliatico were the others with shots on target for Elon. Bennett’s came in the first period, while the others were created early in the second half.

Up Next
Elon will travel to Chattanooga to take on the Mocs on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 1 p.m.