The Elon men’s soccer team tied Radford University 1-1 Sept. 14, following a 5-2 loss against East Carolina University Sept. 11, the Pirates first win. The Phoenix now stands at 1-3-1.

Radford outshot Elon 5-1 in the first half, but Elon came on strong in the second half with good shots on goal. Senior Stuart Reid had a nice shot on goal midway through the second half that flew just above the crossbar. Senior Mason Oatey struck some balls well, but they missed the goal.

Radford and Elon combined for 42 shots on goal in both squads’ conference opener. The Highlanders’ T.J. Rolfing scored first at the 40:58 mark. Junior Paul Bellacqua put his team-leading fourth goal in the back of the net at 44:39, tying the game at 1-1, where it would remain for the entire second half.

The East Carolina Pirates were led by Brian Deutsch, who had one goal and three assists.ECU jumped out to a two-goal lead until Bellacqua put one in the net at 37:12 to make the halftime score 2-1.

The Pirates struck early in the second half, scoring only 10 minutes into the second half. The Phoenix countered with a goal off the foot of freshman Tim Sullivan to cut the lead to 3-2. ECU put the game away, however, scoring two goals in five minutes.

Senior Phoenix defender Ryan Murphy wins the ball away from a Radford opponent. Both teams played to a 1-1 tie last Saturday. David Upchurch / Photographer

The Pirates outshot the Phoenix 16-12, while goalies Kyle Ostendorf (Elon) and R.J. Marvinney snagged seven saves.

Head coach Mike Reilly says there are several areas that need improvement before the team’s next game against future conference opponent Wofford College Sept. 17. "We need sharper movement with the ball and to be able to perform better under pressure," he said. "The team needs to be able to stretch the defense across the field, making it harder for the other team to gain momentum and preventing them from having clear shots on the goal.

"Our players need to do a better job of gelling and working as a unit instead of as 11 individual players on the field."

Reid also noticed ways to help execute the team’s game plan. "We need to play better defense and not give as many shots on goal as we allowed in this game," he said.

Oatey agreed. "We had several opportunities, but our shots just seemed to miss the net," he said. "I was pleased with the heart that this team showed in the second half. We really picked up our efforts and played as a team."

Mason says that the Phoenix must capitalize early in games if they want to be successful. "We need to score early in the game, before the other team gets their tempo going," Mason said. "In order to win games we need to play good defense throughout the two periods and in overtime, if needed.