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Elon Phoenix men's soccer

The Elon Phoenix men's soccer team is a varsity intercollegiate athletic team of Elon University located in Elon, North Carolina. The team is a member of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The team was founded in 1972 as a member of the NAIA, the team moved to NCAA Division II in 1989 and finally to NCAA Division I in 1999. The program is currently under the direction of head coach Marc Reeves.

Elon Phoenix men's soccer
2022 Elon Phoenix men's soccer team
Founded1972; 52 years ago (1972)
UniversityElon University
Head coachMarc Reeves (6th season)
ConferenceCAA
LocationElon, North Carolina
StadiumRudd Field
NicknamePhoenix
ColorsMaroon and gold[1]
   
Home
Away
NCAA Tournament Round of 32
2013, 2015
NCAA Tournament appearances
2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2022
Conference Tournament championships
2011, 2012, 2013
Conference Regular Season championships
2012, 2015

Darren Powell led the Phoenix to a .500 or better record in each of his 5 seasons at the helm. Elon Soccer won its first conference championship in 2008, the Southern Conference regular season. This was followed up in 2009 with the team's first appearance in the SoCon Championship game.[2] the program has largely improved since its introduction to Division I in 1999. The team joined the Colonial Athletic Association on July 1, 2014.

History edit

The 1970s: A program is born edit

Elon men's soccer played its inaugural season in the fall of 1972 with Charles Harris serving as the Fightin' Christians' first head coach. Elon competed in the NAIA as a member of the Carolinas Conference (CIAC). Faced with the challenge of building a program virtually from scratch, Coach Harris and the Fightin' Christians had mixed results. After debuting with a 2–1 victory over Greensboro College on October 13, 1972, the team would lose its last four games to finish the inaugural season with a 1–4 record. During the formative years of the program, Elon and Coach Harris struggled to find the winning formula. When Harris relinquished the reins following the 1977 season, Elon was still seeking its first winning-season in men's soccer. Though the record books may not remember the Charles Harris era very favorably (16-40-4 cumulative record in 6 seasons), he laid the foundation of a program for his successors to build upon.[3]

A 6–6 (2–4 CIAC) record in 1976 stood as the best season in the brief history of Elon soccer as Steve Ballard took over as head coach in the Fall of 1978. Coach Ballard and the Fightin' Christians would need just two seasons to better that mark and subsequently take the program to the next level. The team struggled during Ballard's rookie year as head coach, finishing the year with a 2-11-1 (0–6 CIAC) record. The Fightin' Christians rebounded in 1979 to finish the decade with the first winning season in program history with an 8-6-2 (2-3-1 CIAC) record. Elon also qualified for the NAIA District 26 Playoffs that season, and though they were defeated by High Point 5-0, the 1979 team proved to those outside the program that Elon soccer had arrived.[3]

Final Record (1972–1979): 26-57-7

The 1980s: Straight Outta Elon edit

The 1980s brought more "firsts" and continued growth for Elon soccer. The 1980 campaign marked the first winning season in CIAC play for the Fightin' Christians as the team went 6–1 in conference matches (8–8 overall). Following the CIAC success of 1980, Elon would have just one losing record in conference play (in 1986) until they left the CIAC following the 1988 season.[3]

The winning ways of the 80s were not limited to CIAC matches. Elon made the NAIA District 26 Playoffs seven times from 1980 to 1988. This included the 1985 team, an offensive juggernaut, which went 13-3-1 (6-1-1 CIAC)and scored an incredible 57 goals. The team went on an 11-game unbeaten streak (a figure that is still tied for the Elon record), and amassed eight school records that stand to this day. These records include: goals scored (57), goals per match (3.35), assists (54), assists per match (3.18), points (168), points per match (9.88), shots (399), and shots per match (23.5). Even with all the offensive firepower, Elon fell 1—0 to High Point in the Playoffs. This marked the third time Elon had been defeated by High Point in the District 26 Playoffs since 1980. As that statistic would suggest, the Fightin' Christians found mostly heartbreak in the postseason during the 80s...until 1987.[3]

The 1987 squad, under the direction of head coach Steve Ballard, still ranks as one of the best in Elon soccer history. Coming off a somewhat disappointing 1986 campaign, in which they finished 9-8-1 (3-4-1 CIAC)and lost to Guilford in PKs in the playoffs, the 1987 team was ready to prove that the previous year was a fluke. The 1987 Fightin' Christians went 16-3-1 (6-1-1 CIAC)and defeated High Point 1-0 to win the NAIA District 26 Championship. Despite losing 1–0 to West Virginia Wesleyan in the NAIA Area VII Tournament, the team still had one of the most outstanding seasons in program history. Their 16 victories, .825 win percentage, and 11 game winning/unbeaten streak are all still Elon records (or shared Elon records).[3]

Elon's final year as a member of the NAIA in 1988 ended with the Fightin' Christians claiming another District 26 Championship and finishing with a record of 14-4-2 (4-2-2 CIAC). First-year head coach Rob Brewer, much like Ballard the year before, was winning with defense. The 1988 team still sets the Elon single season standard for goals against average (.75) and fewest goals allowed (12). They rode this prolific defense all the way to the second round of the NAIA Area VII Regional Tournament, where they ultimately fell to Alderson-Broaddus 3-0.[3]

From a deadly offense in 1985 to stifling defense in 1987 and 1988, the teams of the mid 80s assaulted the record books and the competition. Ultimately, as the cliche goes, "defense wins championships," and Elon won its back to back District 26 Championships with solid defense. In fact, the 1987 and 1988 squads shared the record for most shutouts in a season (9) until 2009.[3]

1988 signaled the end of an era for Elon soccer, as the school would transition to NCAA Division II and the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) in 1989.[3]

Final Record (1980–1989): 103-61-14

The 1990s: Changes edit

Change was not initially kind to the Elon soccer program. The program's success of the late 1980s in the NAIA did not carry over into the 1990s in NCAA Division II.[3]

Head coach Rob Brewer led the Fightin' Christians to winning seasons in 1992 and 1995 with final records of 10-5-2 (5–2) SAC and 9-8 (2–6 SAC), respectively. However, those would be the only two seasons in which the team finished with a .500 or better record.[3]

In 1996, Mike Reilly took over as head coach in 1996 with a transition to NCAA Division I on the horizon. In terms of wins and losses, the Fightin' Christians transition was anything but smooth.[3]

The team struggled in 1996, Reilly's first year at the helm, and the last season in Division II. After finishing the season winless, (0-13-2, 0-6-1 SAC) and setting a school record for saves made in a season with 248, the Fightin' Christians said goodbye to the SAC and Division II.[3]

Elon now embarked on two NCAA-mandated transition years before it could become a fu l-member of Division I. The Fightin' Christians continued to struggle to find the win column, posting a combined record of 7-27-2 from 1997 to 1998.[3]

The team went 3–14 (0–7 Big South) in 1999, the program's first season as a member of NCAA Division I and the Big South Conference. It showed that Elon soccer would have work to do in the years to come in order to compete for championships in Division I. Similar to its newly adopted mascot, the Phoenix, Elon soccer looked to "rise from the ashes" and emerge stronger than ever in the 2000s.[3]

Final Record (1990–1999): 51-110-10

The Phoenix: A New Mascot for a New Millennium edit

As Elon College's varsity athletic teams made the transition to NCAA Division I and the College was preparing to become a university, a decision was made to change mascots as well. As of 1999–2000, The Fightin' Christians would now be known as the Phoenix.[3]

A Phoenix is, of course, a bird of myth which burns at the end of its life and rises from the ashes "reborn and renewed, with strength forged in fire".[3] The Phoenix holds a special symbolic connection with Elon University itself as well because the school almost completely burned down in 1923, only to "rise from the ashes" stronger than ever.[3]

2000–2004: Trials by Fire edit

The Phoenix opened the new millennium with a .500 season (10-10, 3–4 Big South), but then followed it up with four consecutive losing seasons. The 2003 squad, despite going 6-11-1 overall, proved that the Phoenix could compete with anyone on a given night when they traveled to Columbia and defeated 25th-ranked South Carolina 1-0. That win marked the first victory by the Phoenix over a nationally ranked team since moving to Division I.[3]

Head coach Mike Reilly, who had led the team through the transition to NCAA Division I, now led the team as it moved from the Big South Conference to the Southern Conference in 2003, where they remain to this day.[3]

The first two seasons in the SoCon, 2003 and 2004, proved difficult for the Phoenix. The teams finished 1-5-1 in SoCon play both years, and after five seasons in Division I the Phoenix were still searching for a winning record(both overall and in-conference). But, true to their nickname, the Phoenix would eventually rise from the fires of transition.[3]

2005–Present: Putting it all Together edit

Darren Powell arrived at Elon in 2005 looking to bring some of the success he had enjoyed as a player and assistant coach at UNC-Greensboro to Elon. As a player, Powell helped the Spartans to two NCAA Tournament berths in 1993 and 1994. Later, with Powell serving as an assistant coach, the Spartans posted a 55-26-3 record in Powell's four seasons on the bench. They also became the #1 team in the nation at one point in 2004. For his efforts, Powell was honored as one of the top NCAA Division I assistant coaches by College Soccer News. He looked to bring that winning attitude to Elon as head coach of the Phoenix.[3]

Powell immediately began to turn things around for Elon soccer. The Phoenix finished 9-9-2 (4-2-1 SoCon) in 2005. This marked just the second non-losing season for the team since joining Division I. It was also the first winning record in conference play since moving to DI. Powell was honored as the Southern Conference Coach of the Year for 2005Coach Powell and the Phoenix were not content with the relative success of 2005. The 2006 squad kept the momentum going, and clinched Elon soccer's first winning season in Division I finishing 10-8-2 (3-3-1 SoCon). The team was also ranked as high as #22 in the Soccer America poll after a 6–1 start, which included a win over then-#17 UAB. The Phoenix continued to build in 2007 going 8-7-4 (4-3-0 SoCon)including a tie against top-ranked, and eventual national champion, Wake Forest. Elon soccer had learned what it took to compete at the highest level, but still had no "silverware" to show for it by the end of the 2007 season. That was about to change.[3]

The 2008 Phoenix stumbled out of the gate 2-7-1 against a difficult non-conference schedule, but hit their stride as SoCon play began. Elon finished the regular season with a perfect 7-0-0 record in-conference (10-9-1 overall). The team entered the SoCon Tournament with dreams of securing the first NCAA Tournament bid in program history. After leading 1–0 at the half, the Phoenix fell-apart in the 2nd half allowing four goals to College of Charleston, and Elon's historic season ended with a disappointing 4–1 loss. Although the team fell short of its ultimate goal, the SoCon regular season championship was the first DI league title for Elon. Junior midfielder Justin Wyatt was named SoCon Player of the Year, and Coach Powell earned SoCon Coach of the Year honors for the second time. With all but three players returning, and a talented group of freshmen on their way, the Phoenix had high hopes for 2009.[3]

Elon got off to a bit of a slow start once again in 2009, going 0-2-1 in their first three matches. But the Phoenix recovered to win six of the next eight, a stretch which included narrow 2-1 losses to nationally ranked ACC foes Wake Forest and Duke. The team also picked up just the second win over an ACC opponent since 1999 with a 2–0 defeat of Clemson. Matches against perennial powers from the ACC, West Virginia, and Charlotte (among others) are a part of Coach Powell's continued efforts to schedule tough non-conference matches that should challenge the team and help gauge where the team is at going into SoCon play.[4] The team finished 4-2-0 in a wide-open season in the Southern Conference. Elon ultimately finished second, behind Wofford, in the final regular season standings. With a record of 9-7-2 heading into the SoCon Tournament, the Phoenix would likely have to win in order to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament. A 2–0 win over College of Charleston set up a showdown with Wofford for the title. The Terriers, playing on their home field as the #1 seed, jumped out to a 2–0 lead before the Phoenix were able to get one back. Wofford was able to hold on and took the game, SoCon title, and automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament with a 2–1 victory.[4]

Although the 2010 team will have to replace seven seniors, the Phoenix will once again look to finish at the top of the table in the SoCon. A talented group of freshmen [5] will join the returning players to continue chasing a Southern Conference championship, and the NCAA Tournament bid that has continued to elude them.

Final Record (2000–2010): 90-104-23

Elon Soccer All-Time (1972–Present): 270-332-54 (.412)

Elon Soccer in the MLS edit

The SoCon has a rich soccer tradition, having produced players such as US Internationals Clint Dempsey and Ricardo Clark, which the Phoenix hope to help continue. One soccer writer, while comparing each of the NCAA soccer conferences to a European professional league, compared the SoCon to Super League Greece stating: "Watch the league, you will see good players. Just no one outside the conference will believe that until they make (the) big stage".[6]

Elon, individually, has also seen many talented players come through the program, but few have gotten the opportunity to prove it on the big stage. One former Phoenix defensive standout is out to help change that.

Elon's Steven Kinney hopes to follow in the tradition of SoCon legends like Dempsey and Clark by making his mark as a professional. Kinney was selected by the Chicago Fire with the 45th Overall Pick in the third round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. After graduating from Elon University in December 2009, he became Elon's first player to sign for an MLS Club. Said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas: "Steven Kinney has proven himself during the preseason to have the passion and talent we need on the pitch as we rebuild our defense [...] we're happy to have him now as part of the Fire family."[7]

A native of Norcross, Georgia, Kinney started in 78 games for the Phoenix, and he was named first-team All-Southern Conference three times. During his four seasons at Elon, he anchored a defense that kept 28 clean sheets, including a school record 10 in 2009.[7] Kinney was also the first Elon men's soccer player to earn Academic All-America status, being named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America third team in November.[8]

"I am truly blessed and honored to have this opportunity to continue my playing career," Kinney commented. "I have to give a large thanks to the Elon soccer family for helping me reach the goal of playing at this level."[7]

In 2012, two more Phoenix Alumni signed MLS Contracts. 2010 Graduate Clint Irwin signed for the Colorado Rapids, and 2012 Graduate Gabe Latigue signed for the New England Revolution of the MLS in 2012.

Individual awards and honors edit

All-Conference edit

Carolina's Conference

1973: Don Carlson, Peter Charles

1974: Don Carlson, Steve Moline, Don Ritter, Steve Rutledge, Robert Tucker

1975: Joe Curtis

1976: Greg Hamilon

1978: Kevin McCallie, Mike Curtis

1979: George Bakatsias, Kevin McCallie

1980: Kevin McCallie, Marash Nikaj, Jeff Sheilds

1981: Chip Calloway (Honorable Mention), Joe Chisolhm (HM), Kevin McCallie (HM), Jeff Sheilds

1982: Jeff Sheilds, Scott Spada

1983: Joe Bartlinski, Israel Hernandez, Paul Lawson, Andy Schaefer, Scott Spada

1984: Joe Bartlinski (HM), Paul Lawson, Joe Nepay, Andy Schaefer (HM), Anthony Sherwood (HM)

1985: Glen Gess, Joe Nepay, Andy Schaefer, Mike Wessels

1987: Glen Gees (2nd Team), Kip Rackley (2nd Team), Kevin Thomas (2nd Team), Mike Wessels (2nd Team)

1988: Marcus Ford (2nd Team), Glen Gess, R.T. Thomas, Mike Wessels

South Atlantic Conference

1989: Jeff Cabot (2nd Team), Mike Crabtree (2nd Team), R.T. Myers (2nd Team), Marcus Ford (1st Team)

1990: Mike Crabtree (1st Team), Marcus Ford

1991: Mike Crabtree (1st Team), Dave Myers (2nd Team)

1992: Mike Crabtree, Dave Myers (2nd Team), Steve Roark (1st Team)

1993: Chad Lorentz (2nd Team), Dave Myers (1st Team)

1994: Bob Artioli (2nd Team)

1995: Bob Artioli (1st Team), Asi Johnson (2nd Team)

Big South Conference

2000: Chad Heinicke (2nd Team), Jake Downs (2nd Team)

2001: Robert Latimer (2nd Team), Devin McCarron (2nd Team)

2002: Paul Bellachqua (2nd Team), Chad Heinicke

Southern Conference

2003: Brent McDowell (2nd Team)

2004: Douglas Boateng (2nd Team), Junior Nombre (2nd Team)

2005: Junior Nombre (1st Team), Brett Paschall (2nd Team), Taylor Saxe (2nd Team), Kiki Willis (1st Team)

2006: Nick Aparicio (2nd Team), Junior Nombre (2nd Team), Taylor Saxe, Kiki Willis

2007: Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Steven Kinney (1st Team), Brett Paschall (1st Team), Justin Wyatt (1st Team)

2008: Kyle Boerner (1st Team), James Carroll (Freshman Team), Clint Collins (2nd Team), Erfan Imeni (1st Team), Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Steven Kinney (1st Team), Will Mason (2nd Team), Aaron Parker (2nd Team), Justin Wyatt (1st Team)

2009: Brad Franks (2nd Team), Clint Irwin (1st Team), Erfan Imeni (1st Team), Steven Kinney (1st Team), Chris Thomas (2nd Team/Freshman Team), Justin Wyatt (1st Team)

2010: Nick Butterly (Freshman Team), Brad Franks (1st Team), Clint Irwin (1st Team), Austen King (1st Team), Daniel Lovitz (Freshman Team), Chris Thomas (1st Team)

2011: Nick Millington (2nd Team), Austin Dunker (Freshman Team)

2012: Chris Thomas (1st Team), Matt Wescoe (2nd Team), Samuel McBride (Freshman Team), Miguel Salazar (Freshman Team)

Coach of the Year edit

1979– Steve Ballard (District)

1984– Steve Ballard (Carolinas Conference and District)

2005– Darren Powell (SoCon)

2008– Darren Powell (SoCon)

2012– Darren Powell (SoCon)

Player of the Year edit

1984– Joe Nepay (CIAC)

1993– Dave Myers (SAC)

2008– Justin Wyatt (SoCon)

2010– Chris Thomas (SoCon)

2012– Chris Thomas (SoCon)

Freshman of the Year edit

1988– Marcus Ford (CIAC)

1992– Steve Roark (SAC)

1995– Asi Johnson (SAC)

2005– Kiki Willis (SoCon)

2009– Chris Thomas (SoCon)

All-South Region edit

1983– Scott Spada

1985– Joe Nepay, Andy Scheafer

1986– Mike Wessels

1987– Mike Wessels

1988– Mike Wessels

1990– Marcus Ford

1991-Mike Crabtree

1992– Mike Crabtree, Dave Myers, Steve Roark

1993– Dave Myers (2nd Team)

1995– Asi Johnson (2nd Team)

2005– Taylor Saxe (3rd Team), Kiki Willis (2nd Team)

2007– Steven Kinney (2nd Team), Justin Wyatt (2nd Team)

2008– Erfan Imeni (3rd Team), Steven Kinney (2nd Team), Justin Wyatt (2nd Team)

2009– Clint Irwin (1st Team), Steven Kinney (2nd Team)

2010– Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Chris Thomas (1st Team)

2012– Chris Thomas (1st Team), Gabe Latigue (2nd Team), Daniel Lovitz (3rd Team)

All-Americans edit

1983– Scott Spada

1984– Joe Nepay

1985– Joe Nepay, Andy Schaefer

1988– Glen Gess (HM)

1993– Dave Myers (HM)

2012 – Chris Thomas

NSCAA Scholar All-Americans edit

2008– Steven Kinney (2nd Team)

2009– Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Steven Kinney (2nd Team)

2010– Clint Irwin (2nd Team)

All-Time Results edit

Year Coach Overall Conference Conference Tournament National Postseason
NAIA District 26/Area VII, Carolinas Conference (CIAC)
1972 Charles Harris 1–4 0–2 (CIAC)
1973 1-6-2 1-3-2 (CIAC)
1974 4-6-2 1-2-2 (CIAC)
1975 2–8 0–5 (CIAC)
1976 6-6 2–4 (CIAC)
1977 2–10 0–6 (CIAC)
1978 Steve Ballard 2-11-1 0–6 (CIAC)
1979 8-6-2 2-3-1 (CIAC) NAIA District 26 Playoffs (1st Rd)
1980 8-8 6-1 (CIAC)
1981 8-8-1 5-2 (CIAC) District 26 Playoffs (1st Rd)
1982 6-7-3 4-1-2 (CIAC)
1983 12-5-2 4-1-2 (CIAC) District 26 (runner-up)
1984 11-7-1 5-1-1 (CIAC)
1985 13-3-1 6-1-1 (CIAC) District 26 (1st Rd)
1986 9-8-1 3-4-1 (CIAC)
1987 16-3-1 6-1-1 (CIAC) NAIA District 26 Champions, NAIA Area VII Tournament (1st Rd)
1988 Rob Brewer 14-4-2 4-2-2 (CIAC) NAIA District 26 Champions, NAIA Area VII Tournament (2nd Rd)
NCAA Division II, South Atlantic Conference
1989 Rob Brewer 6-8-2 3-2-2 (SAC)
1990 8-10-0 3-4-0 (SAC) 1-1
1991 4-10-3 3-3-1 (SAC) 0–1
1992 10-5-2 5-2 (SAC) 1-1
1993 6-10-1 3–4 (SAC) 0–1
1994 4–13 2–5 (SAC) 0–1
1995 9-8 2–6 (SAC) 0–1
1996 Mike Reilly 0-13-2 0-6-1 (SAC) 0–1
NCAA Division Transition Years
1997 Mike Reilly 2-14-1
1998 5-13-1
NCAA Division I, Big South Conference
1999 Mike Reilly 3-14-0 0-7-0 (Big South) 0–1
2000 10-10 3–4 (Big South) 2-1
2001 8–12 3–4 (Big South) 0–1
2002 7-13-1 2-4-1 (Big South) 0–1
NCAA Division I, Southern Conference
2003 Mike Reilly 6-11-1 1-5-1 (SoCon) 0–1
2004 4-11-5 1-5-1 (SoCon) 0–1
2005 Darren Powell 9-9-2 4-2-1 (SoCon) 1-1
2006 10-8-2 3-3-1 (SoCon) 0–1
2007 8-7-4 4-3-0 (SoCon) 1-1
2008 10-9-1 7-0-0 SoCon Champions 1-1
2009 10-8-2 4-2-0 (SoCon) 1-1 (runner-up)
2010 8-6-5 4-2-1 (SoCon) 0–1
2011 9-11-2 2-5-0 (SoCon) 3-0 Tournament Champions 1st round NCAA Division I Tournament
2012 15-5-2 5-2 SoCon Champions 3-0 Tournament Champions 1st round NCAA Division I Tournament
2013 15-5-3 4-2-0 (SoCon) 3-0 Tournament Champions 2nd round NCAA Division I Tournament
NCAA Division I, Colonial Athletic Association
2014 Chris Little 9-6-4 4-2-2 (CAA) CAA Quarterfinals Did not qualify
2015 14-6-1 6-2-0 (CAA) CAA Semifinals 2nd round NCAA Division I Tournament
2016 7-7-4 3-2-3 (CAA)

Notes edit

  1. ^ "Elon University Phoenix - Elon Athletics Identity Standards". February 23, 2016. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
  2. ^ Times-News. "Elon Men Fall in SoCon Tourney Soccer Final." Burlington Times-News. TheTimesNews.com, 15 November 2009. Web. Accessed: 10 June 2010.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Roberson, Erica M., and Chris Rash. Elon Phoenix Soccer. Media Guide. Ed. Erica M. Roberson. 2009 ed. Elon: Elon University Athletics, 2009. Print.
  4. ^ a b Elon Athletics Media Relations. "Elon University – Cumulative Season Statistics." ElonPhoenix.com. Fall 2009. Web. 14 June 2010. <http://org.elon.edu/athletics/stats/ms/teamcume.htm>.
  5. ^ TopDrawerSoccer.com. "TopDrawerSoccer.com, Elon Men's Soccer News, Standings & Roster." TopDrawerSoccer.com, Club and College Soccer News, Soccer Recruiting, Elite Soccer Shop. Spring 2010. Web. 14 June 2010. <http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer/college-soccer-details/men/clgid-171/Elon/tab-commitments>.
  6. ^ Eskilson, J.R. "NCAA College Soccer Preview." Goal.com. 26 August 2009. Web. 14 June 2010. <http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/66/united-states/2009/08/26/1461743/ncaa-college-soccer-preview>.
  7. ^ a b c Elon University Athletics. Media Relations. Kinney Signs Professional Contract with Chicago Fire. ElonPhoenix.com. 15 March 2010. Web. 14 June 2010. <http://www.elonphoenix.com/news.aspx?nid=7068>.
  8. ^ Denton,V. "E-Net! Headlines". Elon University, 2010.

External links edit

  • Official website  

elon, phoenix, soccer, this, article, contains, content, that, written, like, advertisement, please, help, improve, removing, promotional, content, inappropriate, external, links, adding, encyclopedic, content, written, from, neutral, point, view, september, 2. This article contains content that is written like an advertisement Please help improve it by removing promotional content and inappropriate external links and by adding encyclopedic content written from a neutral point of view September 2015 Learn how and when to remove this template message The Elon Phoenix men s soccer team is a varsity intercollegiate athletic team of Elon University located in Elon North Carolina The team is a member of the Coastal Athletic Association CAA which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association s Division I The team was founded in 1972 as a member of the NAIA the team moved to NCAA Division II in 1989 and finally to NCAA Division I in 1999 The program is currently under the direction of head coach Marc Reeves Elon Phoenix men s soccer2022 Elon Phoenix men s soccer teamFounded1972 52 years ago 1972 UniversityElon UniversityHead coachMarc Reeves 6th season ConferenceCAALocationElon North CarolinaStadiumRudd FieldNicknamePhoenixColorsMaroon and gold 1 HomeAwayNCAA Tournament Round of 322013 2015NCAA Tournament appearances2011 2012 2013 2015 2022Conference Tournament championships2011 2012 2013Conference Regular Season championships2012 2015Darren Powell led the Phoenix to a 500 or better record in each of his 5 seasons at the helm Elon Soccer won its first conference championship in 2008 the Southern Conference regular season This was followed up in 2009 with the team s first appearance in the SoCon Championship game 2 the program has largely improved since its introduction to Division I in 1999 The team joined the Colonial Athletic Association on July 1 2014 Contents 1 History 1 1 The 1970s A program is born 1 2 The 1980s Straight Outta Elon 1 3 The 1990s Changes 1 4 The Phoenix A New Mascot for a New Millennium 1 5 2000 2004 Trials by Fire 1 6 2005 Present Putting it all Together 2 Elon Soccer in the MLS 3 Individual awards and honors 3 1 All Conference 3 2 Coach of the Year 3 3 Player of the Year 3 4 Freshman of the Year 3 5 All South Region 3 6 All Americans 3 7 NSCAA Scholar All Americans 4 All Time Results 5 Notes 6 External linksHistory editThe 1970s A program is born edit Elon men s soccer played its inaugural season in the fall of 1972 with Charles Harris serving as the Fightin Christians first head coach Elon competed in the NAIA as a member of the Carolinas Conference CIAC Faced with the challenge of building a program virtually from scratch Coach Harris and the Fightin Christians had mixed results After debuting with a 2 1 victory over Greensboro College on October 13 1972 the team would lose its last four games to finish the inaugural season with a 1 4 record During the formative years of the program Elon and Coach Harris struggled to find the winning formula When Harris relinquished the reins following the 1977 season Elon was still seeking its first winning season in men s soccer Though the record books may not remember the Charles Harris era very favorably 16 40 4 cumulative record in 6 seasons he laid the foundation of a program for his successors to build upon 3 A 6 6 2 4 CIAC record in 1976 stood as the best season in the brief history of Elon soccer as Steve Ballard took over as head coach in the Fall of 1978 Coach Ballard and the Fightin Christians would need just two seasons to better that mark and subsequently take the program to the next level The team struggled during Ballard s rookie year as head coach finishing the year with a 2 11 1 0 6 CIAC record The Fightin Christians rebounded in 1979 to finish the decade with the first winning season in program history with an 8 6 2 2 3 1 CIAC record Elon also qualified for the NAIA District 26 Playoffs that season and though they were defeated by High Point 5 0 the 1979 team proved to those outside the program that Elon soccer had arrived 3 Final Record 1972 1979 26 57 7 The 1980s Straight Outta Elon edit The 1980s brought more firsts and continued growth for Elon soccer The 1980 campaign marked the first winning season in CIAC play for the Fightin Christians as the team went 6 1 in conference matches 8 8 overall Following the CIAC success of 1980 Elon would have just one losing record in conference play in 1986 until they left the CIAC following the 1988 season 3 The winning ways of the 80s were not limited to CIAC matches Elon made the NAIA District 26 Playoffs seven times from 1980 to 1988 This included the 1985 team an offensive juggernaut which went 13 3 1 6 1 1 CIAC and scored an incredible 57 goals The team went on an 11 game unbeaten streak a figure that is still tied for the Elon record and amassed eight school records that stand to this day These records include goals scored 57 goals per match 3 35 assists 54 assists per match 3 18 points 168 points per match 9 88 shots 399 and shots per match 23 5 Even with all the offensive firepower Elon fell 1 0 to High Point in the Playoffs This marked the third time Elon had been defeated by High Point in the District 26 Playoffs since 1980 As that statistic would suggest the Fightin Christians found mostly heartbreak in the postseason during the 80s until 1987 3 The 1987 squad under the direction of head coach Steve Ballard still ranks as one of the best in Elon soccer history Coming off a somewhat disappointing 1986 campaign in which they finished 9 8 1 3 4 1 CIAC and lost to Guilford in PKs in the playoffs the 1987 team was ready to prove that the previous year was a fluke The 1987 Fightin Christians went 16 3 1 6 1 1 CIAC and defeated High Point 1 0 to win the NAIA District 26 Championship Despite losing 1 0 to West Virginia Wesleyan in the NAIA Area VII Tournament the team still had one of the most outstanding seasons in program history Their 16 victories 825 win percentage and 11 game winning unbeaten streak are all still Elon records or shared Elon records 3 Elon s final year as a member of the NAIA in 1988 ended with the Fightin Christians claiming another District 26 Championship and finishing with a record of 14 4 2 4 2 2 CIAC First year head coach Rob Brewer much like Ballard the year before was winning with defense The 1988 team still sets the Elon single season standard for goals against average 75 and fewest goals allowed 12 They rode this prolific defense all the way to the second round of the NAIA Area VII Regional Tournament where they ultimately fell to Alderson Broaddus 3 0 3 From a deadly offense in 1985 to stifling defense in 1987 and 1988 the teams of the mid 80s assaulted the record books and the competition Ultimately as the cliche goes defense wins championships and Elon won its back to back District 26 Championships with solid defense In fact the 1987 and 1988 squads shared the record for most shutouts in a season 9 until 2009 3 1988 signaled the end of an era for Elon soccer as the school would transition to NCAA Division II and the South Atlantic Conference SAC in 1989 3 Final Record 1980 1989 103 61 14 The 1990s Changes edit Change was not initially kind to the Elon soccer program The program s success of the late 1980s in the NAIA did not carry over into the 1990s in NCAA Division II 3 Head coach Rob Brewer led the Fightin Christians to winning seasons in 1992 and 1995 with final records of 10 5 2 5 2 SAC and 9 8 2 6 SAC respectively However those would be the only two seasons in which the team finished with a 500 or better record 3 In 1996 Mike Reilly took over as head coach in 1996 with a transition to NCAA Division I on the horizon In terms of wins and losses the Fightin Christians transition was anything but smooth 3 The team struggled in 1996 Reilly s first year at the helm and the last season in Division II After finishing the season winless 0 13 2 0 6 1 SAC and setting a school record for saves made in a season with 248 the Fightin Christians said goodbye to the SAC and Division II 3 Elon now embarked on two NCAA mandated transition years before it could become a fu l member of Division I The Fightin Christians continued to struggle to find the win column posting a combined record of 7 27 2 from 1997 to 1998 3 The team went 3 14 0 7 Big South in 1999 the program s first season as a member of NCAA Division I and the Big South Conference It showed that Elon soccer would have work to do in the years to come in order to compete for championships in Division I Similar to its newly adopted mascot the Phoenix Elon soccer looked to rise from the ashes and emerge stronger than ever in the 2000s 3 Final Record 1990 1999 51 110 10 The Phoenix A New Mascot for a New Millennium edit As Elon College s varsity athletic teams made the transition to NCAA Division I and the College was preparing to become a university a decision was made to change mascots as well As of 1999 2000 The Fightin Christians would now be known as the Phoenix 3 A Phoenix is of course a bird of myth which burns at the end of its life and rises from the ashes reborn and renewed with strength forged in fire 3 The Phoenix holds a special symbolic connection with Elon University itself as well because the school almost completely burned down in 1923 only to rise from the ashes stronger than ever 3 2000 2004 Trials by Fire edit The Phoenix opened the new millennium with a 500 season 10 10 3 4 Big South but then followed it up with four consecutive losing seasons The 2003 squad despite going 6 11 1 overall proved that the Phoenix could compete with anyone on a given night when they traveled to Columbia and defeated 25th ranked South Carolina 1 0 That win marked the first victory by the Phoenix over a nationally ranked team since moving to Division I 3 Head coach Mike Reilly who had led the team through the transition to NCAA Division I now led the team as it moved from the Big South Conference to the Southern Conference in 2003 where they remain to this day 3 The first two seasons in the SoCon 2003 and 2004 proved difficult for the Phoenix The teams finished 1 5 1 in SoCon play both years and after five seasons in Division I the Phoenix were still searching for a winning record both overall and in conference But true to their nickname the Phoenix would eventually rise from the fires of transition 3 2005 Present Putting it all Together edit This article needs to be updated Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information March 2017 Darren Powell arrived at Elon in 2005 looking to bring some of the success he had enjoyed as a player and assistant coach at UNC Greensboro to Elon As a player Powell helped the Spartans to two NCAA Tournament berths in 1993 and 1994 Later with Powell serving as an assistant coach the Spartans posted a 55 26 3 record in Powell s four seasons on the bench They also became the 1 team in the nation at one point in 2004 For his efforts Powell was honored as one of the top NCAA Division I assistant coaches by College Soccer News He looked to bring that winning attitude to Elon as head coach of the Phoenix 3 Powell immediately began to turn things around for Elon soccer The Phoenix finished 9 9 2 4 2 1 SoCon in 2005 This marked just the second non losing season for the team since joining Division I It was also the first winning record in conference play since moving to DI Powell was honored as the Southern Conference Coach of the Year for 2005Coach Powell and the Phoenix were not content with the relative success of 2005 The 2006 squad kept the momentum going and clinched Elon soccer s first winning season in Division I finishing 10 8 2 3 3 1 SoCon The team was also ranked as high as 22 in the Soccer America poll after a 6 1 start which included a win over then 17 UAB The Phoenix continued to build in 2007 going 8 7 4 4 3 0 SoCon including a tie against top ranked and eventual national champion Wake Forest Elon soccer had learned what it took to compete at the highest level but still had no silverware to show for it by the end of the 2007 season That was about to change 3 The 2008 Phoenix stumbled out of the gate 2 7 1 against a difficult non conference schedule but hit their stride as SoCon play began Elon finished the regular season with a perfect 7 0 0 record in conference 10 9 1 overall The team entered the SoCon Tournament with dreams of securing the first NCAA Tournament bid in program history After leading 1 0 at the half the Phoenix fell apart in the 2nd half allowing four goals to College of Charleston and Elon s historic season ended with a disappointing 4 1 loss Although the team fell short of its ultimate goal the SoCon regular season championship was the first DI league title for Elon Junior midfielder Justin Wyatt was named SoCon Player of the Year and Coach Powell earned SoCon Coach of the Year honors for the second time With all but three players returning and a talented group of freshmen on their way the Phoenix had high hopes for 2009 3 Elon got off to a bit of a slow start once again in 2009 going 0 2 1 in their first three matches But the Phoenix recovered to win six of the next eight a stretch which included narrow 2 1 losses to nationally ranked ACC foes Wake Forest and Duke The team also picked up just the second win over an ACC opponent since 1999 with a 2 0 defeat of Clemson Matches against perennial powers from the ACC West Virginia and Charlotte among others are a part of Coach Powell s continued efforts to schedule tough non conference matches that should challenge the team and help gauge where the team is at going into SoCon play 4 The team finished 4 2 0 in a wide open season in the Southern Conference Elon ultimately finished second behind Wofford in the final regular season standings With a record of 9 7 2 heading into the SoCon Tournament the Phoenix would likely have to win in order to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament A 2 0 win over College of Charleston set up a showdown with Wofford for the title The Terriers playing on their home field as the 1 seed jumped out to a 2 0 lead before the Phoenix were able to get one back Wofford was able to hold on and took the game SoCon title and automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament with a 2 1 victory 4 Although the 2010 team will have to replace seven seniors the Phoenix will once again look to finish at the top of the table in the SoCon A talented group of freshmen 5 will join the returning players to continue chasing a Southern Conference championship and the NCAA Tournament bid that has continued to elude them Final Record 2000 2010 90 104 23Elon Soccer All Time 1972 Present 270 332 54 412 Elon Soccer in the MLS editThe SoCon has a rich soccer tradition having produced players such as US Internationals Clint Dempsey and Ricardo Clark which the Phoenix hope to help continue One soccer writer while comparing each of the NCAA soccer conferences to a European professional league compared the SoCon to Super League Greece stating Watch the league you will see good players Just no one outside the conference will believe that until they make the big stage 6 Elon individually has also seen many talented players come through the program but few have gotten the opportunity to prove it on the big stage One former Phoenix defensive standout is out to help change that Elon s Steven Kinney hopes to follow in the tradition of SoCon legends like Dempsey and Clark by making his mark as a professional Kinney was selected by the Chicago Fire with the 45th Overall Pick in the third round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft After graduating from Elon University in December 2009 he became Elon s first player to sign for an MLS Club Said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas Steven Kinney has proven himself during the preseason to have the passion and talent we need on the pitch as we rebuild our defense we re happy to have him now as part of the Fire family 7 A native of Norcross Georgia Kinney started in 78 games for the Phoenix and he was named first team All Southern Conference three times During his four seasons at Elon he anchored a defense that kept 28 clean sheets including a school record 10 in 2009 7 Kinney was also the first Elon men s soccer player to earn Academic All America status being named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All America third team in November 8 I am truly blessed and honored to have this opportunity to continue my playing career Kinney commented I have to give a large thanks to the Elon soccer family for helping me reach the goal of playing at this level 7 In 2012 two more Phoenix Alumni signed MLS Contracts 2010 Graduate Clint Irwin signed for the Colorado Rapids and 2012 Graduate Gabe Latigue signed for the New England Revolution of the MLS in 2012 Individual awards and honors editAll Conference edit Carolina s Conference1973 Don Carlson Peter Charles1974 Don Carlson Steve Moline Don Ritter Steve Rutledge Robert Tucker1975 Joe Curtis1976 Greg Hamilon1978 Kevin McCallie Mike Curtis1979 George Bakatsias Kevin McCallie1980 Kevin McCallie Marash Nikaj Jeff Sheilds1981 Chip Calloway Honorable Mention Joe Chisolhm HM Kevin McCallie HM Jeff Sheilds1982 Jeff Sheilds Scott Spada1983 Joe Bartlinski Israel Hernandez Paul Lawson Andy Schaefer Scott Spada1984 Joe Bartlinski HM Paul Lawson Joe Nepay Andy Schaefer HM Anthony Sherwood HM 1985 Glen Gess Joe Nepay Andy Schaefer Mike Wessels1987 Glen Gees 2nd Team Kip Rackley 2nd Team Kevin Thomas 2nd Team Mike Wessels 2nd Team 1988 Marcus Ford 2nd Team Glen Gess R T Thomas Mike WesselsSouth Atlantic Conference1989 Jeff Cabot 2nd Team Mike Crabtree 2nd Team R T Myers 2nd Team Marcus Ford 1st Team 1990 Mike Crabtree 1st Team Marcus Ford1991 Mike Crabtree 1st Team Dave Myers 2nd Team 1992 Mike Crabtree Dave Myers 2nd Team Steve Roark 1st Team 1993 Chad Lorentz 2nd Team Dave Myers 1st Team 1994 Bob Artioli 2nd Team 1995 Bob Artioli 1st Team Asi Johnson 2nd Team Big South Conference2000 Chad Heinicke 2nd Team Jake Downs 2nd Team 2001 Robert Latimer 2nd Team Devin McCarron 2nd Team 2002 Paul Bellachqua 2nd Team Chad HeinickeSouthern Conference2003 Brent McDowell 2nd Team 2004 Douglas Boateng 2nd Team Junior Nombre 2nd Team 2005 Junior Nombre 1st Team Brett Paschall 2nd Team Taylor Saxe 2nd Team Kiki Willis 1st Team 2006 Nick Aparicio 2nd Team Junior Nombre 2nd Team Taylor Saxe Kiki Willis2007 Clint Irwin 2nd Team Steven Kinney 1st Team Brett Paschall 1st Team Justin Wyatt 1st Team 2008 Kyle Boerner 1st Team James Carroll Freshman Team Clint Collins 2nd Team Erfan Imeni 1st Team Clint Irwin 2nd Team Steven Kinney 1st Team Will Mason 2nd Team Aaron Parker 2nd Team Justin Wyatt 1st Team 2009 Brad Franks 2nd Team Clint Irwin 1st Team Erfan Imeni 1st Team Steven Kinney 1st Team Chris Thomas 2nd Team Freshman Team Justin Wyatt 1st Team 2010 Nick Butterly Freshman Team Brad Franks 1st Team Clint Irwin 1st Team Austen King 1st Team Daniel Lovitz Freshman Team Chris Thomas 1st Team 2011 Nick Millington 2nd Team Austin Dunker Freshman Team 2012 Chris Thomas 1st Team Matt Wescoe 2nd Team Samuel McBride Freshman Team Miguel Salazar Freshman Team Coach of the Year edit 1979 Steve Ballard District 1984 Steve Ballard Carolinas Conference and District 2005 Darren Powell SoCon 2008 Darren Powell SoCon 2012 Darren Powell SoCon Player of the Year edit 1984 Joe Nepay CIAC 1993 Dave Myers SAC 2008 Justin Wyatt SoCon 2010 Chris Thomas SoCon 2012 Chris Thomas SoCon Freshman of the Year edit 1988 Marcus Ford CIAC 1992 Steve Roark SAC 1995 Asi Johnson SAC 2005 Kiki Willis SoCon 2009 Chris Thomas SoCon All South Region edit 1983 Scott Spada1985 Joe Nepay Andy Scheafer1986 Mike Wessels1987 Mike Wessels1988 Mike Wessels1990 Marcus Ford1991 Mike Crabtree1992 Mike Crabtree Dave Myers Steve Roark1993 Dave Myers 2nd Team 1995 Asi Johnson 2nd Team 2005 Taylor Saxe 3rd Team Kiki Willis 2nd Team 2007 Steven Kinney 2nd Team Justin Wyatt 2nd Team 2008 Erfan Imeni 3rd Team Steven Kinney 2nd Team Justin Wyatt 2nd Team 2009 Clint Irwin 1st Team Steven Kinney 2nd Team 2010 Clint Irwin 2nd Team Chris Thomas 1st Team 2012 Chris Thomas 1st Team Gabe Latigue 2nd Team Daniel Lovitz 3rd Team All Americans edit 1983 Scott Spada1984 Joe Nepay1985 Joe Nepay Andy Schaefer1988 Glen Gess HM 1993 Dave Myers HM 2012 Chris Thomas NSCAA Scholar All Americans edit 2008 Steven Kinney 2nd Team 2009 Clint Irwin 2nd Team Steven Kinney 2nd Team 2010 Clint Irwin 2nd Team All Time Results editYear Coach Overall Conference Conference Tournament National PostseasonNAIA District 26 Area VII Carolinas Conference CIAC 1972 Charles Harris 1 4 0 2 CIAC 1973 1 6 2 1 3 2 CIAC 1974 4 6 2 1 2 2 CIAC 1975 2 8 0 5 CIAC 1976 6 6 2 4 CIAC 1977 2 10 0 6 CIAC 1978 Steve Ballard 2 11 1 0 6 CIAC 1979 8 6 2 2 3 1 CIAC NAIA District 26 Playoffs 1st Rd 1980 8 8 6 1 CIAC 1981 8 8 1 5 2 CIAC District 26 Playoffs 1st Rd 1982 6 7 3 4 1 2 CIAC 1983 12 5 2 4 1 2 CIAC District 26 runner up 1984 11 7 1 5 1 1 CIAC 1985 13 3 1 6 1 1 CIAC District 26 1st Rd 1986 9 8 1 3 4 1 CIAC 1987 16 3 1 6 1 1 CIAC NAIA District 26 Champions NAIA Area VII Tournament 1st Rd 1988 Rob Brewer 14 4 2 4 2 2 CIAC NAIA District 26 Champions NAIA Area VII Tournament 2nd Rd NCAA Division II South Atlantic Conference1989 Rob Brewer 6 8 2 3 2 2 SAC 1990 8 10 0 3 4 0 SAC 1 11991 4 10 3 3 3 1 SAC 0 11992 10 5 2 5 2 SAC 1 11993 6 10 1 3 4 SAC 0 11994 4 13 2 5 SAC 0 11995 9 8 2 6 SAC 0 11996 Mike Reilly 0 13 2 0 6 1 SAC 0 1NCAA Division Transition Years1997 Mike Reilly 2 14 11998 5 13 1NCAA Division I Big South Conference1999 Mike Reilly 3 14 0 0 7 0 Big South 0 12000 10 10 3 4 Big South 2 12001 8 12 3 4 Big South 0 12002 7 13 1 2 4 1 Big South 0 1NCAA Division I Southern Conference2003 Mike Reilly 6 11 1 1 5 1 SoCon 0 12004 4 11 5 1 5 1 SoCon 0 12005 Darren Powell 9 9 2 4 2 1 SoCon 1 12006 10 8 2 3 3 1 SoCon 0 12007 8 7 4 4 3 0 SoCon 1 12008 10 9 1 7 0 0 SoCon Champions 1 12009 10 8 2 4 2 0 SoCon 1 1 runner up 2010 8 6 5 4 2 1 SoCon 0 12011 9 11 2 2 5 0 SoCon 3 0 Tournament Champions 1st round NCAA Division I Tournament2012 15 5 2 5 2 SoCon Champions 3 0 Tournament Champions 1st round NCAA Division I Tournament2013 15 5 3 4 2 0 SoCon 3 0 Tournament Champions 2nd round NCAA Division I TournamentNCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association2014 Chris Little 9 6 4 4 2 2 CAA CAA Quarterfinals Did not qualify2015 14 6 1 6 2 0 CAA CAA Semifinals 2nd round NCAA Division I Tournament2016 7 7 4 3 2 3 CAA Notes edit Elon University Phoenix Elon Athletics Identity Standards February 23 2016 Retrieved March 19 2016 Times News Elon Men Fall in SoCon Tourney Soccer Final Burlington Times News TheTimesNews com 15 November 2009 Web Accessed 10 June 2010 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Roberson Erica M and Chris Rash Elon Phoenix Soccer Media Guide Ed Erica M Roberson 2009 ed Elon Elon University Athletics 2009 Print a b Elon Athletics Media Relations Elon University Cumulative Season Statistics ElonPhoenix com Fall 2009 Web 14 June 2010 lt http org elon edu athletics stats ms teamcume htm gt TopDrawerSoccer com TopDrawerSoccer com Elon Men s Soccer News Standings amp Roster TopDrawerSoccer com Club and College Soccer News Soccer Recruiting Elite Soccer Shop Spring 2010 Web 14 June 2010 lt http www topdrawersoccer com college soccer college soccer details men clgid 171 Elon tab commitments gt Eskilson J R NCAA College Soccer Preview Goal com 26 August 2009 Web 14 June 2010 lt http www goal com en us news 66 united states 2009 08 26 1461743 ncaa college soccer preview gt a b c Elon University Athletics Media Relations Kinney Signs Professional Contract with Chicago Fire ElonPhoenix com 15 March 2010 Web 14 June 2010 lt http www elonphoenix com news aspx nid 7068 gt Denton V E Net Headlines Elon University 2010 External links editOfficial website nbsp Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Elon Phoenix men 27s soccer amp oldid 1180255663, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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