Senior midfielder Jamses Bruce scored the game-winning goal in the 65th minute to lead No. 11 Elon (11-2-0, 4-1-0) to its third win in the last four games, a 2-1 Colonial Athletic Association victory over UNCW (7-3-2, 2-2-1) at UNCW Soccer Stadium on Wednesday evening.
After a scoreless first half, the Phoenix took a 1-0 lead in the 56th minute when Eduardo Alvarez converted a penalty kick after the Seahawks were called for a handball foul inside the penalty area.
But, UNCW answered less than two minutes later to even the score at 1-1 when freshman midfielder Joel Bylander netted the first goal of his college career off assists from sophomore midfielder Kalvin Kromer and freshman midfielder Ben Fisher.
However, Brace provided the winning margin with 25:27 left as he converted a crossing pass from Caue De Silva with a one-touch shot for his fifth goal of the year.
Junior goalkeeper Sean Melvin made three saves in the loss for UNCW, which was outshot by a 12-10 margin. Freshman goalkeeper Matthew Jegier also tallied three saves for the Phoenix.
The loss ended UNCW’s eight-game home unbeaten streak, dating back to last year. The Seahawks are 5-1-1 at home this season. Bylander became the 11th different player to score a goal for the Seahawks this year.
UNCW returns to the pitch with a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 17 for a date with William & Mary.
