WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The William and Mary men’s soccer team fell to Elon, 2-1, in overtime on Wednesday night from Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field.  At halftime, the Tribe owned a 1-0 lead behind junior Chris Albiston’s goal in the 36 minute.  However, Elon sent the contest into overtime after connecting on the equalizer almost mid-way through the second period.  The Phoenix went on to net difference maker with a penalty kick goal in the overtime session.  The Tribe falls to 2-4-1 on the season, while Elon improves to 4-2.

In first-half action, the College kept Elon’s high-scoring attack in check, as junior Will Smith anchored a stingy W&M backline.  Offensively, the Tribe broke through in the 36th minute after Albiston netted his second goal of the season.  Just right of goal and 20 yards away, the Virginia Beach, Va., native dribbled to his left, and ripped a shot that sailed over Elon sophomore keeper Nathan Dean’s outstretched hand.  For the half, the Green and Gold registered seven shots with three coming on frame, while the Phoenix connected on 10 shots with four coming on goal.  Sophomore keeper Bennett Jones preserved the shutout in the opening 45 minutes, collecting four saves.

Early in the second period, W&M generated a pair of scoring opportunities but were unable to extend the advantage.  The College’s best look came in the 50th minute, when junior Chris Perez’s attempt floated just wide left of frame.   In the 63rd minute, Elon’s senior Chris Thomas tied the affair scoring off a through ball from junior Matt Wescoe.

Before the Phoenix gained any traction in overtime, the Tribe recorded three shots as freshman Jackson Eskay’s game-winning attempt was turned away by Dean.  With Elon on the move, Thomas created a penalty kick opportunity in the 96th minute and proceeded to connect on the game-winning score.  For the match, Elon narrowly outshot the College, 22-20, and also held a slight edge in shots on goal, 10-7.

The Green and Gold returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 22, as it hosts Northeastern in its Colonial Athletic Association opener.  Saturday’s match against the Huskies is slated for a 3 p.m. start.

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