Second Half Surge Propels Men's Soccer at Elon, 2-1

Saturday, October 5

Elon, N.C.

7 p.m.

Drexel University

4-5-1, 2-2-0CAA

Elon

3-6-1, 0-4-0CAA

Drexel

Elon

Photo by: Greg Carroccio/Sideline Photos

Second Half Surge Propels Men's Soccer at Elon, 2-1

10/5/2019 10:36:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

ELON, N.C. - Second half goals by Francisco Rodrigues da Palma and Chris Donovan helped the Drexel men's soccer team overcome a 1-0 deficit and earn its first road Colonial Athletic Association victory of the season on Saturday, 2-1 at Elon. All three of the game's goals were scored after halftime, with Elon striking first just after intermission and the Dragons answering with the decisive goals.

The Dragons' win ends a brief two-game losing skid for Drexel (4-5-1, 2-2-0) and keeps Elon (3-6-1, 0-4-0) winless in CAA action. Donovan's goal was his sixth of the season, doubling his output from last season, while da Palma's goal was his first of the year.

Elon got on the board first just 1:32 after halftime when Burl Shepherd netted his third goal of the season, but the Phoenix's lead would not last long. Early in the 56th minute, da Palma lined up a free kick from just outside the box and beat Elon keeper Alex Lorne, knotting the score at 1-1.

With just over 12 minutes to play in regulation, the Dragons broke the deadlock. Yassine Elkahloun worked the ball to Donovan, who had only Lorne between him and paydirt. He fired from eight yards out and scored, making it a 2-1 game.

Drexel held on despite being outshot by a 15-5 margin. Elon managed to put just five of its 15 shots on net, however, and the Dragons' keeper Cameron Sanders came up with four saves in the victory.

The Dragons have now scored in 12 consecutive games, matching the longest goal-scoring streak they have put together under head coach Doug Hess.

Drexel will now have another week off before resuming CAA play on Saturday, Oct. 12 at home against Hofstra. That game, which will be preceded by the annual Alumni Game, kicks off at 4 p.m.