Pirates Come Back, Defeat Elon in Preseason Opener

Monday, August 7

Greenville, N.C.

7 PM

East Carolina University

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Elon (Exhibition)

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Elon

East Carolina

August 07, 2023 | Soccer

Box Score

GREENVILLE, N.C. – The East Carolina soccer team conceded the first goal but would not be denied the win as the Pirates defeated Elon 2-1 in their first exhibition match of the 2023 preseason on Monday in Johnson Stadium. Newcomers Keyera Wynn and Emma Sheehan scored the goals in the win, both coming in the second half.

Elon opened the scoring early with a beautiful goal off of a looping cross from Grace Gelhaus and well-taken header by Jordan Green just seven minutes into the game. Trailing early, the Pirates were forced to regroup – and they did, eventually settling into the flow of the game and choosing their moments to attack.

Down 1-0 after 45 minutes of play, ECU came out in the second half looking like a different team. The Pirates were dangerous on the attack for the entire half and finally struck on the scoreboard in the 62^nd minute. In what would become the theme of the night, clinical second-half passing was what finally got the Pirates over the goal line with a Rachael Wilsynski headed feed to Wynn in the box where the grad transfer finished her right-footed attempt, squeezing it past the Phoenix keeper and into the back of the net.

East Carolina would not have to wait long for their second goal as their team play soon got them back on the attack. This time it was Sydney Schnell on the breakaway finding a wide-open Sheehan in the box where the forward did not hesitate, driving a strong shot home for the first Pirate lead of the night in the 77^th minute.

Elon pressed forward with purpose for the final 13-plus minutes, but the Pirate defense held strong, allowing only two shots with only one on frame which 2022 AAC Rookie of the Year Jazmin Ferguson cleared off the line confidently to end the danger.

Game Notes

All 24 active ECU players saw game action.
Jazmin Ferguson led all Pirates with 76 minutes played in her defensive position.
The Pirates outshot the Phoenix 15-7, including 10-4 in the second half.

Up Next
The Pirates will be back in action for their final exhibition match of the preseason as they travel to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina on Saturday at 6 p.m.