Bend, but don’t break: the Phoenix are ready to fly
Last season was weird for any Elon University sports team due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Phoenix men’s soccer program was no different. Their very first game of the season against Liberty was canceled and they only played eight games, less than half the number they play in a normal campaign.
The Phoenix struggled last season, losing five out of eight games. With two decisive home wins, however, they ended the season with a good result. The Phoenix Shutout College of Charleston at Rudd Stadium before winning the final game of the season with a 99th-minute golden goal against William & Mary.
Outside of the defeat column, last season may have set the stage for a triumphant entry into 2021.
Experienced leadership
Phoenix red shirt junior captain Sam Bacon and junior midfielder Jeppe Jordoson, who are the team’s prominent leaders this season, return.
“Last year was tough for a lot of different reasons,” said Bacon. “As captain, you are not only responsible for your own performance, but also for how the team deals with being closed for two weeks or without having to play three key players.”
Bacon ended his second year red shirt season with a decorated graduation, received the team’s Leadership Award and was recognized by the CAA through the Leadership and Sport Excellence Award. He also started seven of eight games that were tied for the team leadership.
Jordoson also had his best season to date, earning the All-CAA Second Team honor to end the season and appear on the Phoenix for the third most minutes of all players.
Jordoson takes on a new role as captain this season and although he has managerial experience from his Danish U19 team SønderjyskE, he knows college football is a new challenge in Division I.
“I don’t just play and care for myself – I slip into a role in which I have to be the link between the managers and coaches and the players,” said Jordoson. “Sam and I are the step between the players and the coaches, I definitely have to develop that so that I can take on this role.”
But it goes beyond mere leadership on the field for Bacon, who believes last season prepared him to take on additional responsibilities off the field.
“I’ve learned the importance of screening guys and making sure team morale is high. I’ve learned how important team morale is to how effectively we train and play, ”said Bacon.
To see
Reeves believes a number of players on the team are prepared for a breakout season, not least junior striker Mason Duval. His outstanding summer season with the USL League 2 U23 team of NC Fusion – together with Elon teammates Bacon and Cam Pelle – prepares him for a strong campaign with the Phoenix.
“It’s set up to be the piece we need,” said Bacon. “He can play chances and score some goals for us.”
Reeves also highlighted veteran goalkeepers Pelle and Peter Wentzel, two of four goalkeepers currently listed on Elon’s roster, as candidates for breakout seasons.
“Peter had a 2019 campaign that saw a lot of time and Cam earned the opportunity through the COVID season and did very well in the spring,” Reeves said.
A new season
“Bend but don’t break” is a phrase that Reeves keeps in mind as the team nears the start of the 2021 season. He’s happy that the team is taking the momentum from last season’s two final wins, but he knows that the Phoenix has no time to rest on those laurels.
“It’s a new season, a new team, and a new process,” said Reeves.
The team travels to Durham to open the regular season against Merrimack on August 27th.
Comments are closed.