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Durham, North Carolina – Elon’s University men’s football team were down 1-0 with just 12 minutes left in their opener against freshman midfielder Merrimack University Scott Vatne got a free kick just outside the penalty area.
Vatne, a Norwegian who moved to America in August and continues to learn English, took the opportunity to snatch the free kick in the net to score his first college goal and tie the game for the Phoenix.
“I practice my free kicks after every practice with some of my teammates and I just did what I did in practice and luckily it worked,” said Vatne.
Less than three minutes later, the senior striker Jack edwards scored on a header to put Elon in front for the first time. The Phoenix locked up the Warriors for the rest of the second half to seal a 2-1 opening day victory at Duke University’s Koskinen Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.
Take the lead
Despite leading the game for just over eight minutes, the Phoenix generated constant offensive pressure throughout the game. The team took 12 shots, including five on goal, and had five corner opportunities.
Vatne said the team played a great game and liked the way they came together after allowing the opening goal.
“It shows character to come back after conceding the first one and I’m really proud of the team,” said Vatne.
The Head Coach Marc Reeves said the Phoenix generated the best scoring chances in the first half despite failing to find a goal and were happy with his team’s reaction after being shut out in the first half. time.
“We just kept saying, preaching to stay with that and have more quality in the key moments,” Reeves said. “We just said if we keep creating these, one of them is going to come in.”
Reeves said Phoenix’s depth was key to getting play back in the second half, as the team used six players from their bench throughout the game to make sure there were “fresh legs” in. the end.
“As a group we have exhausted them a bit with our depth at certain positions,” Reeves said. “We had a few guys who came in and played some really key minutes and on opening day you need them.”
Other Phoenix strengths include the junior forward Mason Duval, who had three shots, and junior defenseman Kasper clay, who assisted on Edwards’ game-winning goal.
Play was physical and quick from the start, with the two teams combining for 25 fouls and three yellow cards, all of which went to the Merrimack players.
Look ahead
For Reeves, an opening win over a program like Merrimack, which has had a winning record in eight of the past nine seasons, is a great way to start the season.
“A 2-1 win on Matchday 1 after falling 1-0 and having to show character in places is a good thing. I’m happy, ”Reeves said.
Vatne said that if the team can continue to generate quality offensive chances like they have during the preseason and against Merrimack, they will have a successful campaign.
“We just have to keep doing what we’re doing,” Vatne said. “If we play our game we will have chances and if we don’t concede we will win games. “
The Phoenix host the Liberty Flames on Monday, August 30, in their home opener. The game must start at 7:00 p.m.
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