Elon Phoenix men's soccer
Encyclopedia
The Elon University
Phoenix Men’s Soccer team, much like its mascot, is a program on the rise. Founded in 1972 as a member of the NAIA
,the team moved to NCAA Division II in 1989 and finally to NCAA Division I in 1999. The program is currently under the direction of head coach Darren Powell, who has led the Phoenix to a .500 or better record in each of his 5 seasons at the helm. Powell also led Elon Soccer to its first conference championship in 2008, as the team captured the Southern Conference
regular season crown. This was followed up in 2009 with the team's first appearance in the SoCon
Championship game. Though Elon fell short in that game, the program has made strides from its humble 3-14 introduction to Division I in 1999. The Phoenix will look to build on their recent successes as the program works to capture Southern Conference championships and also secure its first NCAA Tournament bid.
as a member of the Carolinas Conference (CIAC). Faced with the challenge of building a program virtually from scratch, Coach Harris and the Fightin' Christians had mixed results. After debuting with a 2-1 victory over Greensboro College on October 13, 1972, the team would lose its last four games to finish the inaugural season with a 1-4 record. Elon and Coach Harris struggled to find the winning formula during the formative years of the program. When Harris relinquished the reins following the 1977 season, Elon was still seeking its first winning-season in men's soccer. Though the record books may not remember the Charles Harris era very favorably (16-40-4 cumulative record in 6 seasons), he laid the foundation of a program for his successors to build upon.
A 6-6 (2-4 CIAC) record in 1976 stood as the best season in the brief history of Elon soccer as Steve Ballard took over as head coach in the Fall of 1978. Coach Ballard and the Fightin' Christians would need just two seasons to better that mark and subsequently take the program to the next level. The team struggled during Ballard's rookie year as head coach, finishing the year with a 2-11-1 (0-6 CIAC) record. The Fightin' Christians rebounded in 1979 to finish the decade with the first winning season in program history with an 8-6-2 (2-3-1 CIAC) record. Elon also qualified for the NAIA District 26 Playoffs that season, and though they were defeated by High Point
5-0, the 1979 team proved to those outside the program that Elon soccer had arrived.
Final Record (1972–1979): 26-57-7
The winning ways of the 80s were not limited to CIAC matches. Elon made the NAIA
District 26 Playoffs seven times from 1980-88. This included the 1985 team, an offensive juggernaut, which went 13-3-1 (6-1-1 CIAC)and scored an incredible 57 goals. The team went on an 11 game unbeaten streak (a figure that is still tied for the Elon record), and amassed eight school records that stand to this day. These records include: goals scored (57), goals per match (3.35), assists (54), assists per match (3.18), points (168), points per match (9.88), shots (399), and shots per match (23.5). Even with all the offensive firepower, Elon fell 1-0 to High Point
in the Playoffs. This marked the third time Elon had been defeated by High Point in the District 26 Playoffs since 1980. As that statistic would suggest, the Fightin' Christians found mostly heartbreak in the postseason during the 80s...until 1987.
The 1987 squad, under the direction of head coach Steve Ballard, still ranks as one of the best in Elon soccer history. Coming off a somewhat disappointing 1986 campaign, in which they finished 9-8-1 (3-4-1 CIAC)and lost to Guilford
in PKs in the playoffs, the 1987 team was ready to prove that the previous year was a fluke. The 1987 Fightin' Christians went 16-3-1 (6-1-1 CIAC)and defeated High Point 1-0 to win the NAIA District 26 Championship. Despite losing 1-0 to West Virginia Wesleyan
in the NAIA Area VII Tournament, the team still had one of the most outstanding seasons in program history. Their 16 victories, .825 win percentage, and 11 game winning/unbeaten streak are all still Elon records (or shared Elon records).
Elon's final year as a member of the NAIA in 1988 ended with the Fightin' Christians claiming another District 26 Championship and finishing with a record of 14-4-2 (4-2-2 CIAC). First-year head coach Rob Brewer, much like Ballard the year before, was winning with defense. The 1988 team still sets the Elon single season standard for goals against average (.75) and fewest goals allowed (12). They rode this prolific defense all the way to the second round of the NAIA Area VII Regional Tournament, where they ultimately fell to Alderson-Broaddus 3-0.
From a deadly offense in 1985 to stifling defense in 1987 and 1988, the teams of the mid 80s assaulted the record books and the competition. Ultimately, as the cliche goes, "defense wins championships", and Elon won its back to back District 26 Championships with solid defense. In fact, the 1987 and 1988 squads shared the record for most shutouts in a season (9) until 2009.
1988 signaled the end of an era for Elon soccer, as the school would transition to NCAA Division II and the South Atlantic Conference
(SAC) in 1989.
Final Record (1980–1989): 103-61-14
Head coach Rob Brewer led the Fightin' Christians to winning seasons in 1992 and 1995 with final records of 10-5-2 (5-2) SAC and 9-8 (2-6 SAC), respectively. However, those would be the only two seasons in which the team finished with a .500 or better record.
Mike Reilly took over as head coach in 1996 with a transition to NCAA Division I on the horizon. In terms of wins and losses, the Fightin' Christians transition was anything but smooth.
The team struggled in 1996, Reilly's first year at the helm, and the last season in Division II. After finishing the season winless, (0-13-2, 0-6-1 SAC) and setting a school record for saves made in a season with 248, the Fightin' Christians said goodbye to the SAC and Division II.
Elon now embarked on two NCAA-mandated transition years before it could become a full-member of Division I. The Fightin' Christians continued to struggle to find the win column, posting a combined record of 7-27-2 from 1997-1998.
The team went 3-14 (0-7 Big South) in 1999, the program's first season as a member of NCAA Division I and the Big South Conference. It showed that Elon soccer would have work to do in the years to come in order to compete for championships in Division I. Similar to its newly adopted mascot, the Phoenix, Elon soccer looked to "rise from the ashes" and emerge stronger than ever in the 2000s.
Final Record (1990–1999): 51-110-10
A Phoenix
is, of course, a bird of myth which burns at the end of its life and rises from the ashes "reborn and renewed, with strength forged in fire". The Phoenix holds a special symbolic connection with Elon University
itself as well because the school almost completely burned down in 1923, only to "rise from the ashes" stronger than ever.
1-0. That win marked the first victory by the Phoenix over a nationally- ranked team since moving to Division I.
Head coach Mike Reilly, who had led the team through the transition to NCAA Division I, now led the team as it moved from the Big South Conference
to the Southern Conference
in 2003, where they remain to this day.
The first two seasons in the SoCon, 2003 and 2004, proved difficult for the Phoenix. The teams finished 1-5-1 in SoCon play both years, and after five seasons in Division I the Phoenix were still searching for a winning record(both overall and in-conference). But, true to their nickname, the Phoenix would eventually rise from the fires of transition.
to Elon. As a player, Powell helped the Spartans to two NCAA Tournament berths in 1993 and 1994. Later, with Powell serving as an assistant coach, the Spartans posted a 55-26-3 record in Powell's four seasons on the bench. They also became the #1 team in the nation at one point in 2004. For his efforts, Powell was honored as one of the top NCAA Division I assistant coaches by College Soccer News. He looked to bring that winning attitude to Elon as head coach of the Phoenix.
Powell immediately began to turn things around for Elon soccer. The Phoenix finished 9-9-2 (4-2-1 SoCon) in 2005. This marked just the second non-losing season for the team since joining Division I. It was also the first winning record in conference play since moving to DI. Powell was honored as the Southern Conference
Coach of the Year for 2005.
Coach Powell and the Phoenix were not content with the relative success of 2005. The 2006 squad kept the momentum going, and clinched Elon soccer's first winning season in DI finishing 10-8-2 (3-3-1 SoCon). The team was also ranked as high as #22 in the Soccer America poll after a 6-1 start, which included a win over then-#17 UAB. The Phoenix continued to build in 2007 going 8-7-4 (4-3-0 SoCon)including a tie against top-ranked, and eventual national champion, Wake Forest
. Elon soccer had learned what it took to compete at the highest level, but still had no "silverware" to show for it by the end of the 2007 season. That was about to change.
The 2008 Phoenix stumbled out of the gate 2-7-1 against a difficult non-conference schedule, but hit their stride as SoCon
play began. Elon finished the regular season with a perfect 7-0-0 record in-conference (10-9-1 overall). The team entered the SoCon Tournament with dreams of securing the first NCAA Tournament bid in program history. After leading 1-0 at the half, the Phoenix fell-apart in the 2nd half allowing four goals to College of Charleston
, and Elon's historic sesaon ended with a disappointing 4-1 loss. Although the team fell short of its ultimate goal, the SoCon regular season championship was the first DI league title for Elon. Junior midfielder Justin Wyatt was named SoCon Player of the Year, and Coach Powell earned SoCon Coach of the Year honors for the second time. With all but three players returning, and a talented group of freshmen on their way, the Phoenix had high hopes for 2009.
Elon got off to a bit of a slow start once again in 2009, going 0-2-1 in their first three matches. But the Phoenix recovered to win six of the next eight, a stretch which included narrow 2-1 losses to nationally-ranked ACC foes Wake Forest
and Duke
. The team also picked up just the second win over an ACC opponent since 1999 with a 2-0 defeat of Clemson
. Matches against perennial powers from the ACC
, West Virginia
, and Charlotte
(among others) are a part of Coach Powell's continued efforts to schedule tough non-conference matches that should challenge the team and help gauge where the team is at going into SoCon
play.
The team finished 4-2-0 in a wide-open season in the Southern Conference
. Elon ultimately finished second, behind Wofford, in the final regular season standings. With a record of 9-7-2 heading into the SoCon Tournament, the Phoenix would likely have to win in order to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament. A 2-0 win over College of Charleston
set up a showdown with Wofford
for the title. The Terriers, playing on their home field as the #1 seed, jumped out to a 2-0 lead before the Phoenix were able to get one back. Wofford was able to hold on and took the game, SoCon title, and automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament with a 2-1 victory.
Although the 2010 team will have to replace seven seniors, the Phoenix will once again look to finish at the top of the table in the SoCon
. A talented group of freshmen will join the returning players to continue chasing a Southern Conference
championship, and the NCAA Tournament bid that has continued to elude them.
Final Record (2000–2010): 90-104-23
Elon Soccer All-Time (1972–Present): 270-332-54 (.412)
has a rich soccer tradition, having produced players such as US Internationals
Clint Dempsey
and Ricardo Clark
, which the Phoenix hope to help continue. One soccer writer, while comparing each of the NCAA soccer conferences to a European professional league, compared the SoCon to Super League Greece
stating: "Watch the league, you will see good players. Just no one outside the conference will believe that until they make (the) big stage".
Elon, individually, has also seen many talented players come through the program, but few have gotten the opportunity to prove it on the big stage. One former Phoenix defensive standout is out to help change that.
Elon's Steven Kinney
hopes to follow in the tradition of SoCon
legends like Dempsey
and Clark
by making his mark as a professional. Kinney was selected by the Chicago Fire with the 45th Overall Pick in the third round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. After graduating from Elon University
in December 2009, he became Elon's first player to sign for an MLS
Club. Said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas
: "Steven Kinney has proven himself during the preseason to have the passion and talent we need on the pitch as we rebuild our defense...we’re happy to have him now as part of the Fire family.”
A native of Norcross, Georgia
, Kinney
started in 78 games for the Phoenix, and he was named first-team All-Southern Conference three times. During his four seasons at Elon, he anchored a defense that kept 28 clean sheets, including a school record 10 in 2009. Kinney was also the first Elon men’s soccer player to earn Academic All-America status, being named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America third team in November.
“I am truly blessed and honored to have this opportunity to continue my playing career,” Kinney commented. “I have to give a large thanks to the Elon soccer family for helping me reach the goal of playing at this level.”
1973: Don Carlson, Peter Charles
1974: Don Carlson, Steve Moline, Don Ritter, Steve Rutledge, Robert Tucker
1975: Joe Curtis
1976: Greg Hamilon
1978: Kevin McCallie, Mike Curtis
1979: George Bakatsias, Kevin McCallie
1980: Kevin McCallie, Marash Nikaj, Jeff Sheilds
1981: Chip Calloway (Honorable Mention), Joe Chisolhm (HM), Kevin McCallie (HM), Jeff Sheilds
1982: Jeff Sheilds, Scott Spada
1983: Joe Bartlinski, Israel Hernandez, Paul Lawson, Andy Schaefer, Scott Spada
1984: Joe Bartlinski (HM), Paul Lawson, Joe Nepay, Andy Schaefer (HM), Anthony Sherwood (HM)
1985: Glen Gess, Joe Nepay, Andy Schaefer, Mike Wessels
1987: Glen Gees (2nd Team), Kip Rackley (2nd Team), Kevin Thomas (2nd Team), Mike Wessels (2nd Team)
1988: Marcus Ford (2nd Team), Glen Gess, R.T. Thomas, Mike Wessels
South Atlantic Conference
1989: Jeff Cabot (2nd Team), Mike Crabtree (2nd Team), R.T. Myers (2nd Team), Marcus Ford (1st Team)
1990: Mike Crabtree (1st Team), Marcus Ford
1991: Mike Crabtree (1st Team), Dave Myers (2nd Team)
1992: Mike Crabtree, Dave Myers (2nd Team), Steve Roark (1st Team)
1993: Chad Lorentz (2nd Team), Dave Myers (1st Team)
1994: Bob Artioli (2nd Team)
1995: Bob Artioli (1st Team), Asi Johnson (2nd Team)
Big South Conference
2000: Chad Heinicke (2nd Team), Jake Downs (2nd Team)
2001: Robert Latimer (2nd Team), Devin McCarron (2nd Team)
2002: Paul Bellachqua (2nd Team), Chad Heinicke
Southern Conference
2003: Brent McDowell (2nd Team)
2004: Douglas Boateng (2nd Team), Junior Nombre (2nd Team)
2005: Junior Nombre (1st Team), Brett Paschall (2nd Team), Taylor Saxe (2nd Team), Kiki Willis (1st Team)
2006: Nick Aparicio (2nd Team), Junior Nombre (2nd Team), Taylor Saxe, Kiki Willis
2007: Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Steven Kinney (1st Team), Brett Paschall (1st Team), Justin Wyatt (1st Team)
2008: Kyle Boerner (1st Team), James Carroll (Freshman Team), Clint Collins (2nd Team), Erfan Imeni (1st Team), Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Steven Kinney (1st Team), Will Mason (2nd Team), Aaron Parker (2nd Team), Justin Wyatt (1st Team)
2009: Brad Franks (2nd Team), Clint Irwin (1st Team), Erfan Imeni (1st Team), Steven Kinney (1st Team), Chris Thomas (2nd Team/Freshman Team), Justin Wyatt (1st Team)
2010: Nick Butterly (Freshman Team), Brad Franks (1st Team), Clint Irwin (1st Team), Austen King (1st Team), Daniel Lovitz (Freshman Team), Chris Thomas (1st Team)
1984- Steve Ballard (Carolinas Conference and District)
2005- Darren Powell (SoCon)
2008- Darren Powell (SoCon)
1993- Dave Myers (SAC)
2008- Justin Wyatt (SoCon)
2010- Chris Thomas (SoCon)
1992- Steve Roark (SAC)
1995- Asi Johnson (SAC)
2005- Kiki Willis (SoCon)
2009- Chris Thomas (SoCon)
1985- Joe Nepay, Andy Scheafer
1986- Mike Wessels
1987- Mike Wessels
1988- Mike Wessels
1990- Marcus Ford
1991-Mike Crabtree
1992- Mike Crabtree, Dave Myers, Steve Roark
1993- Dave Myers (2nd Team)
1995- Asi Johnson (2nd Team)
2005- Taylor Saxe (3rd Team), Kiki Willis (2nd Team)
2007- Steven Kinney (2nd Team), Justin Wyatt (2nd Team)
2008- Erfan Imeni (3rd Team), Steven Kinney (2nd Team), Justin Wyatt (2nd Team)
2009- Clint Irwin (1st Team), Steven Kinney (2nd Team)
2010- Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Chris Thomas (1st Team)
1984- Joe Nepay
1985- Joe Nepay, Andy Schaefer
1988- Glen Gess (HM)
1993- Dave Myers (HM)
2009- Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Steven Kinney (2nd Team)
2010- Clint Irwin
Elon University
Elon University is a private liberal arts university in Elon, North Carolina, United States. Formerly known as Elon College, it became Elon University on June 1, 2001. The campus is a botanical garden and features oak trees, brick sidewalks, fountains, and lakes...
Phoenix Men’s Soccer team, much like its mascot, is a program on the rise. Founded in 1972 as a member of the NAIA
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
,the team moved to NCAA Division II in 1989 and finally to NCAA Division I in 1999. The program is currently under the direction of head coach Darren Powell, who has led the Phoenix to a .500 or better record in each of his 5 seasons at the helm. Powell also led Elon Soccer to its first conference championship in 2008, as the team captured the Southern Conference
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
regular season crown. This was followed up in 2009 with the team's first appearance in the SoCon
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
Championship game. Though Elon fell short in that game, the program has made strides from its humble 3-14 introduction to Division I in 1999. The Phoenix will look to build on their recent successes as the program works to capture Southern Conference championships and also secure its first NCAA Tournament bid.
The 1970s: A Program is Born
Elon men's soccer played its inaugural season in the Fall of 1972 with Charles Harris serving as the Fightin' Christians first head coach. Elon competed in the NAIANational Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
as a member of the Carolinas Conference (CIAC). Faced with the challenge of building a program virtually from scratch, Coach Harris and the Fightin' Christians had mixed results. After debuting with a 2-1 victory over Greensboro College on October 13, 1972, the team would lose its last four games to finish the inaugural season with a 1-4 record. Elon and Coach Harris struggled to find the winning formula during the formative years of the program. When Harris relinquished the reins following the 1977 season, Elon was still seeking its first winning-season in men's soccer. Though the record books may not remember the Charles Harris era very favorably (16-40-4 cumulative record in 6 seasons), he laid the foundation of a program for his successors to build upon.
A 6-6 (2-4 CIAC) record in 1976 stood as the best season in the brief history of Elon soccer as Steve Ballard took over as head coach in the Fall of 1978. Coach Ballard and the Fightin' Christians would need just two seasons to better that mark and subsequently take the program to the next level. The team struggled during Ballard's rookie year as head coach, finishing the year with a 2-11-1 (0-6 CIAC) record. The Fightin' Christians rebounded in 1979 to finish the decade with the first winning season in program history with an 8-6-2 (2-3-1 CIAC) record. Elon also qualified for the NAIA District 26 Playoffs that season, and though they were defeated by High Point
High Point University
High Point University is a private liberal arts university in High Point, North Carolina, USA, affiliated with the United Methodist Church.- Beginnings :...
5-0, the 1979 team proved to those outside the program that Elon soccer had arrived.
Final Record (1972–1979): 26-57-7
The 1980s: Straight Outta Elon
The 1980s brought more "firsts" and continued growth for Elon soccer. The 1980 campaign marked the first winning season in CIAC play for the Fightin' Christians as the team went 6-1 in conference matches (8-8 overall). Following the CIAC success of 1980, Elon would have just one losing record in conference play (in 1986) until they left the CIAC following the 1988 season.The winning ways of the 80s were not limited to CIAC matches. Elon made the NAIA
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
District 26 Playoffs seven times from 1980-88. This included the 1985 team, an offensive juggernaut, which went 13-3-1 (6-1-1 CIAC)and scored an incredible 57 goals. The team went on an 11 game unbeaten streak (a figure that is still tied for the Elon record), and amassed eight school records that stand to this day. These records include: goals scored (57), goals per match (3.35), assists (54), assists per match (3.18), points (168), points per match (9.88), shots (399), and shots per match (23.5). Even with all the offensive firepower, Elon fell 1-0 to High Point
High Point University
High Point University is a private liberal arts university in High Point, North Carolina, USA, affiliated with the United Methodist Church.- Beginnings :...
in the Playoffs. This marked the third time Elon had been defeated by High Point in the District 26 Playoffs since 1980. As that statistic would suggest, the Fightin' Christians found mostly heartbreak in the postseason during the 80s...until 1987.
The 1987 squad, under the direction of head coach Steve Ballard, still ranks as one of the best in Elon soccer history. Coming off a somewhat disappointing 1986 campaign, in which they finished 9-8-1 (3-4-1 CIAC)and lost to Guilford
Guilford College
Guilford College, founded in 1837 by members of the Religious Society of Friends , is an independent college whose stated mission is to: provide a transformative, practical and excellent liberal arts education that produces critical thinkers in an inclusive, diverse environment, guided by Quaker...
in PKs in the playoffs, the 1987 team was ready to prove that the previous year was a fluke. The 1987 Fightin' Christians went 16-3-1 (6-1-1 CIAC)and defeated High Point 1-0 to win the NAIA District 26 Championship. Despite losing 1-0 to West Virginia Wesleyan
West Virginia Wesleyan College
West Virginia Wesleyan College is a regionally accredited private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Buckhannon, West Virginia, United States. It has an enrollment of about 1,400 students from 35 U.S. states and 26 countries. The school was founded in 1890 by the West Virginia Conference of...
in the NAIA Area VII Tournament, the team still had one of the most outstanding seasons in program history. Their 16 victories, .825 win percentage, and 11 game winning/unbeaten streak are all still Elon records (or shared Elon records).
Elon's final year as a member of the NAIA in 1988 ended with the Fightin' Christians claiming another District 26 Championship and finishing with a record of 14-4-2 (4-2-2 CIAC). First-year head coach Rob Brewer, much like Ballard the year before, was winning with defense. The 1988 team still sets the Elon single season standard for goals against average (.75) and fewest goals allowed (12). They rode this prolific defense all the way to the second round of the NAIA Area VII Regional Tournament, where they ultimately fell to Alderson-Broaddus 3-0.
From a deadly offense in 1985 to stifling defense in 1987 and 1988, the teams of the mid 80s assaulted the record books and the competition. Ultimately, as the cliche goes, "defense wins championships", and Elon won its back to back District 26 Championships with solid defense. In fact, the 1987 and 1988 squads shared the record for most shutouts in a season (9) until 2009.
1988 signaled the end of an era for Elon soccer, as the school would transition to NCAA Division II and the South Atlantic Conference
South Atlantic Conference
The South Atlantic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the southeastern United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division II...
(SAC) in 1989.
Final Record (1980–1989): 103-61-14
The 1990s: Changes
Change was not initially kind to the Elon soccer program. The program's success of the late 1980s in the NAIA did not carry over into the 1990s in NCAA Division II.Head coach Rob Brewer led the Fightin' Christians to winning seasons in 1992 and 1995 with final records of 10-5-2 (5-2) SAC and 9-8 (2-6 SAC), respectively. However, those would be the only two seasons in which the team finished with a .500 or better record.
Mike Reilly took over as head coach in 1996 with a transition to NCAA Division I on the horizon. In terms of wins and losses, the Fightin' Christians transition was anything but smooth.
The team struggled in 1996, Reilly's first year at the helm, and the last season in Division II. After finishing the season winless, (0-13-2, 0-6-1 SAC) and setting a school record for saves made in a season with 248, the Fightin' Christians said goodbye to the SAC and Division II.
Elon now embarked on two NCAA-mandated transition years before it could become a full-member of Division I. The Fightin' Christians continued to struggle to find the win column, posting a combined record of 7-27-2 from 1997-1998.
The team went 3-14 (0-7 Big South) in 1999, the program's first season as a member of NCAA Division I and the Big South Conference. It showed that Elon soccer would have work to do in the years to come in order to compete for championships in Division I. Similar to its newly adopted mascot, the Phoenix, Elon soccer looked to "rise from the ashes" and emerge stronger than ever in the 2000s.
Final Record (1990–1999): 51-110-10
The Phoenix: A New Mascot for a New Millennium
As Elon College's varsity athletic teams made the transition to NCAA Division I and the College was preparing to become a University, a decision was made to change mascots as well. As of 1999-2000, The Fightin' Christians would now be known as the Phoenix.A Phoenix
Phoenix (mythology)
The phoenix or phenix is a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Arabian, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, Indian and Phoenicians....
is, of course, a bird of myth which burns at the end of its life and rises from the ashes "reborn and renewed, with strength forged in fire". The Phoenix holds a special symbolic connection with Elon University
Elon University
Elon University is a private liberal arts university in Elon, North Carolina, United States. Formerly known as Elon College, it became Elon University on June 1, 2001. The campus is a botanical garden and features oak trees, brick sidewalks, fountains, and lakes...
itself as well because the school almost completely burned down in 1923, only to "rise from the ashes" stronger than ever.
2000-2004: Trials by Fire
The Phoenix opened the new millennium with a .500 season (10-10, 3-4 Big South), but then followed it up with four consecutive losing seasons. The 2003 squad, despite going 6-11-1 overall, proved that the Phoenix could compete with anyone on a given night when they travelled to Columbia and defeated 25th-ranked South CarolinaSouth Carolina Gamecocks
The University of South Carolina's 19 varsity sports teams are known as the "Gamecocks". The unique moniker is held in honor of Thomas Sumter, a South Carolina war hero who was given the name "The Carolina Gamecock" during the American Revolution for his fierce fighting tactics, regardless of his...
1-0. That win marked the first victory by the Phoenix over a nationally- ranked team since moving to Division I.
Head coach Mike Reilly, who had led the team through the transition to NCAA Division I, now led the team as it moved from the Big South Conference
Big South Conference
The Big South Conference is a college athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Division I. The conference's football teams are part of the Football Championship Subdivision...
to the Southern Conference
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
in 2003, where they remain to this day.
The first two seasons in the SoCon, 2003 and 2004, proved difficult for the Phoenix. The teams finished 1-5-1 in SoCon play both years, and after five seasons in Division I the Phoenix were still searching for a winning record(both overall and in-conference). But, true to their nickname, the Phoenix would eventually rise from the fires of transition.
2005-Present: Putting it all Together
Darren Powell arrived at Elon in 2005 looking to bring some of the success he had enjoyed as a player and assistant coach at UNC-GreensboroUNC Greensboro Spartans
The intercollegiate athletics program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro reaches as far back as the late 1940s during the days of the WCUNC, with students participating in national golf tournaments in 1948 and the school hosting the national tournaments for women's golf and tennis...
to Elon. As a player, Powell helped the Spartans to two NCAA Tournament berths in 1993 and 1994. Later, with Powell serving as an assistant coach, the Spartans posted a 55-26-3 record in Powell's four seasons on the bench. They also became the #1 team in the nation at one point in 2004. For his efforts, Powell was honored as one of the top NCAA Division I assistant coaches by College Soccer News. He looked to bring that winning attitude to Elon as head coach of the Phoenix.
Powell immediately began to turn things around for Elon soccer. The Phoenix finished 9-9-2 (4-2-1 SoCon) in 2005. This marked just the second non-losing season for the team since joining Division I. It was also the first winning record in conference play since moving to DI. Powell was honored as the Southern Conference
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
Coach of the Year for 2005.
Coach Powell and the Phoenix were not content with the relative success of 2005. The 2006 squad kept the momentum going, and clinched Elon soccer's first winning season in DI finishing 10-8-2 (3-3-1 SoCon). The team was also ranked as high as #22 in the Soccer America poll after a 6-1 start, which included a win over then-#17 UAB. The Phoenix continued to build in 2007 going 8-7-4 (4-3-0 SoCon)including a tie against top-ranked, and eventual national champion, Wake Forest
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational university in the U.S. state of North Carolina, founded in 1834. The university received its name from its original location in Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital. The Reynolda Campus, the university's main campus, is...
. Elon soccer had learned what it took to compete at the highest level, but still had no "silverware" to show for it by the end of the 2007 season. That was about to change.
The 2008 Phoenix stumbled out of the gate 2-7-1 against a difficult non-conference schedule, but hit their stride as SoCon
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
play began. Elon finished the regular season with a perfect 7-0-0 record in-conference (10-9-1 overall). The team entered the SoCon Tournament with dreams of securing the first NCAA Tournament bid in program history. After leading 1-0 at the half, the Phoenix fell-apart in the 2nd half allowing four goals to College of Charleston
College of Charleston
The College of Charleston is a public, sea-grant and space-grant university located in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, United States...
, and Elon's historic sesaon ended with a disappointing 4-1 loss. Although the team fell short of its ultimate goal, the SoCon regular season championship was the first DI league title for Elon. Junior midfielder Justin Wyatt was named SoCon Player of the Year, and Coach Powell earned SoCon Coach of the Year honors for the second time. With all but three players returning, and a talented group of freshmen on their way, the Phoenix had high hopes for 2009.
Elon got off to a bit of a slow start once again in 2009, going 0-2-1 in their first three matches. But the Phoenix recovered to win six of the next eight, a stretch which included narrow 2-1 losses to nationally-ranked ACC foes Wake Forest
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational university in the U.S. state of North Carolina, founded in 1834. The university received its name from its original location in Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital. The Reynolda Campus, the university's main campus, is...
and Duke
Duke Blue Devils
Duke University's 26 varsity sports teams, known as the Blue Devils, compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The name comes from the French "les Diables Bleus" or "the Blue Devils," which was the nickname given during World War I to the Chasseurs Alpins, the French Alpine light infantry...
. The team also picked up just the second win over an ACC opponent since 1999 with a 2-0 defeat of Clemson
Clemson Tigers men's soccer
The Clemson Tigers men's soccer team represent Clemson University in the Atlantic Coast Conference of NCAA Division I soccer. The team has won 13 Atlantic Coast Conference championships, 2 NCAA national championships, and hosted 2 Hermann Trophy winners .-History:Clemson began sponsoring a soccer...
. Matches against perennial powers from the ACC
Atlantic Coast Conference
The Atlantic Coast Conference is a collegiate athletic league in the United States. Founded in 1953 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the ACC sanctions competition in twenty-five sports in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for its twelve member universities...
, West Virginia
West Virginia Mountaineers
The West Virginia Mountaineers are the athletic teams of West Virginia University. The school is a member of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and the Big East Conference. On July 1, 2012 the Mountaineers will switch conferences, moving from the Big East to the Big 12, becoming...
, and Charlotte
Charlotte 49ers
The Charlotte 49ers represent the NCAA Division I sports teams of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Charlotte joined the Atlantic 10 in 2005. The 49ers field 16 teams, 8 men and 8 women....
(among others) are a part of Coach Powell's continued efforts to schedule tough non-conference matches that should challenge the team and help gauge where the team is at going into SoCon
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
play.
The team finished 4-2-0 in a wide-open season in the Southern Conference
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
. Elon ultimately finished second, behind Wofford, in the final regular season standings. With a record of 9-7-2 heading into the SoCon Tournament, the Phoenix would likely have to win in order to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament. A 2-0 win over College of Charleston
College of Charleston
The College of Charleston is a public, sea-grant and space-grant university located in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, United States...
set up a showdown with Wofford
Wofford Terriers
Wofford College sponsors 18 sports for men's and women's programs. The Terriers also compete in the Southern Conference, and have been a part of the league since the 1997–98 academic year. Wofford and the other SoCon members play football in the Football Championship Subdivision...
for the title. The Terriers, playing on their home field as the #1 seed, jumped out to a 2-0 lead before the Phoenix were able to get one back. Wofford was able to hold on and took the game, SoCon title, and automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament with a 2-1 victory.
Although the 2010 team will have to replace seven seniors, the Phoenix will once again look to finish at the top of the table in the SoCon
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
. A talented group of freshmen will join the returning players to continue chasing a Southern Conference
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
championship, and the NCAA Tournament bid that has continued to elude them.
Final Record (2000–2010): 90-104-23
Elon Soccer All-Time (1972–Present): 270-332-54 (.412)
Elon Soccer in the MLS
The SoConSouthern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
has a rich soccer tradition, having produced players such as US Internationals
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey
Clinton Drew "Clint" Dempsey is an American soccer player who plays for Fulham and the United States national team. Dempsey usually plays as either an attacking midfielder, or a striker....
and Ricardo Clark
Ricardo Clark
Ricardo Clark is an American soccer player who currently plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2. Fußball-Bundesliga.-High School and College:...
, which the Phoenix hope to help continue. One soccer writer, while comparing each of the NCAA soccer conferences to a European professional league, compared the SoCon to Super League Greece
Super League Greece
The Superleague Greece is the highest professional football league in Greece. It was formed on July 16, 2006 and replaced Alpha Ethniki at the top of the Greek football league system. The league consists of 16 teams and runs from August to May, with teams playing 30 games each...
stating: "Watch the league, you will see good players. Just no one outside the conference will believe that until they make (the) big stage".
Elon, individually, has also seen many talented players come through the program, but few have gotten the opportunity to prove it on the big stage. One former Phoenix defensive standout is out to help change that.
Elon's Steven Kinney
Steven Kinney
Steven Kinney is an American soccer player who currently plays for Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
hopes to follow in the tradition of SoCon
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
legends like Dempsey
Clint Dempsey
Clinton Drew "Clint" Dempsey is an American soccer player who plays for Fulham and the United States national team. Dempsey usually plays as either an attacking midfielder, or a striker....
and Clark
Ricardo Clark
Ricardo Clark is an American soccer player who currently plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2. Fußball-Bundesliga.-High School and College:...
by making his mark as a professional. Kinney was selected by the Chicago Fire with the 45th Overall Pick in the third round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. After graduating from Elon University
Elon University
Elon University is a private liberal arts university in Elon, North Carolina, United States. Formerly known as Elon College, it became Elon University on June 1, 2001. The campus is a botanical garden and features oak trees, brick sidewalks, fountains, and lakes...
in December 2009, he became Elon's first player to sign for an MLS
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
Club. Said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas
Frank Klopas
Fotios "Frank" Klopas is a retired Greek-American soccer forward and midfielder. Klopas is currently the Head Coach for the Chicago Fire...
: "Steven Kinney has proven himself during the preseason to have the passion and talent we need on the pitch as we rebuild our defense...we’re happy to have him now as part of the Fire family.”
A native of Norcross, Georgia
Norcross, Georgia
As of 2010 Norcross had a population of 9,116. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 40.8% white , 19.8% black or African American , 0.7% Native American, 2.1% Asian Indian, 10.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 21.5% from some other race and 4.3% reporting two or more races...
, Kinney
Steven Kinney
Steven Kinney is an American soccer player who currently plays for Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
started in 78 games for the Phoenix, and he was named first-team All-Southern Conference three times. During his four seasons at Elon, he anchored a defense that kept 28 clean sheets, including a school record 10 in 2009. Kinney was also the first Elon men’s soccer player to earn Academic All-America status, being named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America third team in November.
“I am truly blessed and honored to have this opportunity to continue my playing career,” Kinney commented. “I have to give a large thanks to the Elon soccer family for helping me reach the goal of playing at this level.”
All-Conference
Carolina's Conference1973: Don Carlson, Peter Charles
1974: Don Carlson, Steve Moline, Don Ritter, Steve Rutledge, Robert Tucker
1975: Joe Curtis
1976: Greg Hamilon
1978: Kevin McCallie, Mike Curtis
1979: George Bakatsias, Kevin McCallie
1980: Kevin McCallie, Marash Nikaj, Jeff Sheilds
1981: Chip Calloway (Honorable Mention), Joe Chisolhm (HM), Kevin McCallie (HM), Jeff Sheilds
1982: Jeff Sheilds, Scott Spada
1983: Joe Bartlinski, Israel Hernandez, Paul Lawson, Andy Schaefer, Scott Spada
1984: Joe Bartlinski (HM), Paul Lawson, Joe Nepay, Andy Schaefer (HM), Anthony Sherwood (HM)
1985: Glen Gess, Joe Nepay, Andy Schaefer, Mike Wessels
1987: Glen Gees (2nd Team), Kip Rackley (2nd Team), Kevin Thomas (2nd Team), Mike Wessels (2nd Team)
1988: Marcus Ford (2nd Team), Glen Gess, R.T. Thomas, Mike Wessels
South Atlantic Conference
1989: Jeff Cabot (2nd Team), Mike Crabtree (2nd Team), R.T. Myers (2nd Team), Marcus Ford (1st Team)
1990: Mike Crabtree (1st Team), Marcus Ford
1991: Mike Crabtree (1st Team), Dave Myers (2nd Team)
1992: Mike Crabtree, Dave Myers (2nd Team), Steve Roark (1st Team)
1993: Chad Lorentz (2nd Team), Dave Myers (1st Team)
1994: Bob Artioli (2nd Team)
1995: Bob Artioli (1st Team), Asi Johnson (2nd Team)
Big South Conference
2000: Chad Heinicke (2nd Team), Jake Downs (2nd Team)
2001: Robert Latimer (2nd Team), Devin McCarron (2nd Team)
2002: Paul Bellachqua (2nd Team), Chad Heinicke
Southern Conference
2003: Brent McDowell (2nd Team)
2004: Douglas Boateng (2nd Team), Junior Nombre (2nd Team)
2005: Junior Nombre (1st Team), Brett Paschall (2nd Team), Taylor Saxe (2nd Team), Kiki Willis (1st Team)
2006: Nick Aparicio (2nd Team), Junior Nombre (2nd Team), Taylor Saxe, Kiki Willis
2007: Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Steven Kinney (1st Team), Brett Paschall (1st Team), Justin Wyatt (1st Team)
2008: Kyle Boerner (1st Team), James Carroll (Freshman Team), Clint Collins (2nd Team), Erfan Imeni (1st Team), Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Steven Kinney (1st Team), Will Mason (2nd Team), Aaron Parker (2nd Team), Justin Wyatt (1st Team)
2009: Brad Franks (2nd Team), Clint Irwin (1st Team), Erfan Imeni (1st Team), Steven Kinney (1st Team), Chris Thomas (2nd Team/Freshman Team), Justin Wyatt (1st Team)
2010: Nick Butterly (Freshman Team), Brad Franks (1st Team), Clint Irwin (1st Team), Austen King (1st Team), Daniel Lovitz (Freshman Team), Chris Thomas (1st Team)
Coach of the Year
1979- Steve Ballard (District)1984- Steve Ballard (Carolinas Conference and District)
2005- Darren Powell (SoCon)
2008- Darren Powell (SoCon)
Player of the Year
1984- Joe Nepay (CIAC)1993- Dave Myers (SAC)
2008- Justin Wyatt (SoCon)
2010- Chris Thomas (SoCon)
Freshman of the Year
1988- Marcus Ford (CIAC)1992- Steve Roark (SAC)
1995- Asi Johnson (SAC)
2005- Kiki Willis (SoCon)
2009- Chris Thomas (SoCon)
All-South Region
1983- Scott Spada1985- Joe Nepay, Andy Scheafer
1986- Mike Wessels
1987- Mike Wessels
1988- Mike Wessels
1990- Marcus Ford
1991-Mike Crabtree
1992- Mike Crabtree, Dave Myers, Steve Roark
1993- Dave Myers (2nd Team)
1995- Asi Johnson (2nd Team)
2005- Taylor Saxe (3rd Team), Kiki Willis (2nd Team)
2007- Steven Kinney (2nd Team), Justin Wyatt (2nd Team)
2008- Erfan Imeni (3rd Team), Steven Kinney (2nd Team), Justin Wyatt (2nd Team)
2009- Clint Irwin (1st Team), Steven Kinney (2nd Team)
2010- Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Chris Thomas (1st Team)
All-Americans
1983- Scott Spada1984- Joe Nepay
1985- Joe Nepay, Andy Schaefer
1988- Glen Gess (HM)
1993- Dave Myers (HM)
NSCAA Scholar All-Americans
2008- Steven Kinney (2nd Team)2009- Clint Irwin (2nd Team), Steven Kinney (2nd Team)
2010- Clint Irwin
All-Time Results
Year | Coach | Overall | Conference | Conference Tournament | National Postseason |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NAIA National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA... District 26/Area VII, Carolinas Conference (CIAC) |
|||||
1972 | Charles Harris | 1-4 | 0-2 (CIAC) | ||
1973 | 1-6-2 | 1-3-2 (CIAC) | |||
1974 | 4-6-2 | 1-2-2 (CIAC) | |||
1975 | 2-8 | 0-5 (CIAC) | |||
1976 | 6-6 | 2-4 (CIAC) | |||
1977 | 2-10 | 0-6 (CIAC) | |||
1978 | Steve Ballard | 2-11-1 | 0-6 (CIAC) | ||
1979 | 8-6-2 | 2-3-1 (CIAC) | NAIA District 26 Playoffs (1st Rd) | ||
1980 | 8-8 | 6-1 (CIAC) | |||
1981 | 8-8-1 | 5-2 (CIAC) | District 26 Playoffs (1st Rd) | ||
1982 | 6-7-3 | 4-1-2 (CIAC) | |||
1983 | 12-5-2 | 4-1-2 (CIAC) | District 26 (Runner-Up) | ||
1984 | 11-7-1 | 5-1-1 (CIAC) | |||
1985 | 13-3-1 | 6-1-1 (CIAC) | District 26 (1st Rd) | ||
1986 | 9-8-1 | 3-4-1 (CIAC) | |||
1987 | 16-3-1 | 6-1-1 (CIAC) | NAIA District 26 Champions, NAIA Area VII Tournament (1st Rd) | ||
1988 | Rob Brewer | 14-4-2 | 4-2-2 (CIAC) | NAIA District 26 Champions, NAIA Area VII Tournament (2nd Rd) | |
NCAA Division II, South Atlantic Conference South Atlantic Conference The South Atlantic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the southeastern United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division II... |
|||||
1989 | Rob Brewer | 6-8-2 | 3-2-2 (SAC) | ||
1990 | 8-10-0 | 3-4-0 (SAC) | 1-1 | ||
1991 | 4-10-3 | 3-3-1 (SAC) | 0-1 | ||
1992 | 10-5-2 | 5-2 (SAC) | 1-1 | ||
1993 | 6-10-1 | 3-4 (SAC) | 0-1 | ||
1994 | 4-13 | 2-5 (SAC) | 0-1 | ||
1995 | 9-8 | 2-6 (SAC) | 0-1 | ||
1996 | Mike Reilly | 0-13-2 | 0-6-1 (SAC) | 0-1 | |
NCAA Division Transition Years | |||||
1997 | Mike Reilly | 2-14-1 | |||
1998 | 5-13-1 | ||||
NCAA Division I, Big South Conference Big South Conference The Big South Conference is a college athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Division I. The conference's football teams are part of the Football Championship Subdivision... |
|||||
1999 | Mike Reilly | 3-14-0 | 0-7-0 (Big South) | 0-1 | |
2000 | 10-10 | 3-4 (Big South) | 2-1 | ||
2001 | 8-12 | 3-4 (Big South) | 0-1 | ||
2002 | 7-13-1 | 2-4-1 (Big South) | 0-1 | ||
NCAA Division I, Southern Conference Southern Conference The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North... |
|||||
2003 | Mike Reilly | 6-11-1 | 1-5-1 (SoCon) | 0-1 | |
2004 | 4-11-5 | 1-5-1 (SoCon) | 0-1 | ||
2005 | Darren Powell | 9-9-2 | 4-2-1 (SoCon) | 1-1 | |
2006 | 10-8-2 | 3-3-1 (SoCon) | 0-1 | ||
2007 | 8-7-4 | 4-3-0 (SoCon) | 1-1 | ||
2008 | 10-9-1 | 7-0-0 SoCon Champions | 1-1 | ||
2009 | 10-8-2 | 4-2-0 (SoCon) | 1-1 (Runner-Up) | ||
2010 | 8-6-5 | 4-2-1 (SoCon) | 0-1 |