Radford Shuts Down Phoenix In Season Opener

ELON, N.C.--Radford tallied three goals, including two from newcomers to shut out Elon in the season-opening men's soccer match on Wednesday afternoon from Rudd Field. The Highlanders claimed the 3-0 victory to move to 1-0-0 on the year while Elon fell to 0-1-0. (Box Score)

Radford took the early 1-0 lead in the 14th minute when junior Patrick Colas beat Elon keeper Taylor Saxe one-on-one off a pass threaded up the middle from freshman Armando Romero. The teams battled without a goal scored for the remainder of the first half.

Elon went a man down when Alexander Barake received a red card at the 35:28 mark and had to play the rest of the contest with only 10 players. RU took advantage of the situation in the 83rd minute when junior Romain Maudire was able to corral a loose ball in the box and find the back of the net.

Radford added its final tally when freshman Tyler Leveski and junior Fernando Ramos got a two-on-one with Saxe and Leveski scored at 86:15.

Saxe recorded five saves for the Phoenix while going the distance in net. junior Omar Zinoveev played all 90 minutes and tallied three saves to earn the shutout for the Highlanders.

Radford outshot the Phoenix by a 16-5 margin, while corner kicks were nearly even with Elon holding a slim 6-5 advantage.

Radford opens its home slate Saturday at 7:00 pm against Charlotte at Patrick D. Cupp Memorial Stadium. Elon will travel to UNC Asheville on for a 2:00 p.m. tilt that same day.