MEN'S SOCCER DRAWS 1-1 WITH ELON

BOX SCORE Follow @RadfordMSOC | Tweet #RadfordMS | PHOTO GALLERY

RADFORD, Va. - Radford (2-2-2) moved to 9-1-3 all-time in home openers at Cupp Stadium with a 1-1 draw Saturday night against Elon (3-2-2). Krzysztof Nalborski scored his first career goal on a free kick in the 29th minute to give RU a lead it would carry until the 65th. The Highlanders were playing the fourth team in six games to open the season against NCAA Tournament squads from a year ago.

9339

"This was a tough match against a talented and well-coached Elon team that is going to have a good season," Radford head coach Marc Reeves said. The Phoenix have qualified for the NCAAs in three straight seasons.

Radford struck first when Nalborski's strike beat Elon's Nathan Dean on a direct free kick from just beyond 25 yards. Reeves called the goal a "fantastic free kick" off the foot of the senior transfer. The Highlanders carried the lead into the intermission and outshot the Phoenix 4-3 overall and 3-0 on goal in the first 45 minutes.

The RU defense allowed its first shot on goal in 178 minutes when Aitor Pouseu Blanco made his first save of the night in the 53rd minute. The Highlanders back line had not permitted a shot to reach their goalkeeper since the second half of the Western Illinois game. And Elon would manage only one more chance, but made the most of it to tie the game in the 65th minute.

Rett Webb, who had substituted into the game less than a minute prior, opened for a shot at the six-yard line, but Pouseu Blanco turned him away initially. Webb gathered the rebound and trickled the ball into the net for the equalizer.

"We are disappointed not to win at home, especially when we scored the first goal," Reeves said.

Neither team put a shot on frame in the overtime periods as both defenses dictated play. Radford tallied two shots in the final 10 minutes, but could not put anything on net.

"All-in-all, this was a good physical college soccer game," Reeves said.

Radford travels Wednesday to Appalachian State for its final game prior to beginning Big South Conference play next weekend. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. in Boone, N.C.

Print Friendly Version