ELON, N.C. – The Elon University Phoenix came out hot in the first half, netting all three of its goals in the first 21 minutes of action to top the American University Eagles, 3-0, in the 2022 season opener.
 
QUICK NOTABLES

• Freshmen Avery Klingensmith, Alessandra King, Eliza Fisher, Phoebe Merrigan and Morissa Lambert all made their collegiate debuts on Thursday, with Klingensmith getting the starting nod.
• Sophomore Giuliana Capraro and sophomore Julia Kato were the only Eagles to play all 90 minutes of action.
• Thursday's game marked the first time that the Eagles and Phoenix squared off in Elon, N.C. with the previous meeting between the two squads taking place in Washington, D.C.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Elon had the first opportunity to find the back of the net in the fourth minute, and took the opportunity to send the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal to take an early 1-0 lead.
• Junior Abby Dillon had the Eagles first shot of the game six minutes into the first half but it was saved by the Phoenix goalkeeper to keep the score at 1-0.
• Elon added two more goals in the first half to take a 3-0 lead heading into halftime.  
• Sophomore Brooke Steel had the first two opportunities to score for the Eagles in the second half but both shots were off target.
• Senior Fisayo Iluyomade had one last chance for the Eagles to get on the board in the 89^th minute but her shot was blocked as the Phoenix held on for the 3-0 win.

 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Eagles had a slight advantage in corner kicks, 5-3.
• Despite Elon's three goals, both sides finished the season opener with nine shots each.
• American's defense held strong in the second half, holding Elon to just one shot in the half.

 
UP NEXT

• American will continue its non-conference slate at High Point University on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.  
• They are then set for a midweek matchup at the University of South Florida on Thursday, Aug. 25 ta 4 p.m. before returning to Reeves for their home opener on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 4 p.m.

 
KEEP UP WITH US

• For the latest on American University Women's Soccer, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_WSoccer), Facebook (AU.WSoccer) and Instagram (@au.wsoccer).