Elon University Athletics Takes on Two ACC Rivals to Wrap Up Nonconference Action!

The Elon University men’s soccer team is gearing up for a big challenge. They are set to face two Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) teams: Clemson and No. 9 Duke to wrap up their nonconference schedule.

Upcoming Matches

• Elon vs. Clemson

  • Date: October 4, 2025
  • Location: Historic Riggs Field, Clemson, S.C.
  • Time: 7 p.m.

• Elon vs. No. 9 Duke

  • Date: October 7, 2025
  • Location: Koskinen Stadium, Durham, N.C.
  • Time: 7 p.m.

History with Clemson

• The rivalry is quite close, with the teams tied at 3-3-1.
• They’ve met twice in the NCAA Tournament, with Clemson winning both times. The last match was in 2015, where Clemson won 5-2.
• Elon’s notable win at Clemson came on October 12, 2010, ending 1-0, thanks to Chris Thomas’s goal and Reed Dillard’s impressive seven saves.

History with Duke

• This will be the 22nd meeting between Elon and Duke, with Duke leading 16-2-3.
• Duke has won the last four encounters, including a close 2-1 win last season.
• Elon’s last victory over Duke was on October 15, 2019, where they won 3-2, with Vemund Hole Vik scoring the decisive goal.

Latest Performance
In their last game, Elon played to a 0-0 draw against No. 10 UNCG, a result that showcased their strong defensive skills. They limited UNCG, one of the nation’s top offenses, to just three shots on goal. Jackson Leavitt, the goalkeeper for Elon, made three critical saves, helping maintain their clean sheet. What’s even more impressive is that Elon has not conceded a goal at home this season.

Current Standings and Stats
Elon currently leads the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) South division, with standout defensive stats. They’ve allowed just three goals in their first ten matches, ranking among the best in the nation in goals against average. Leavitt is not only the backbone of the team but also ranks highly in both save percentage and goals against average nationally.

Key Players to Watch

1. Dominik Renz has emerged as a vital player, tied for the team lead with seven points (3 goals, 1 assist). He’s known for game-winning goals, crucial for the team’s success in tight matches.
2. Martin Kozak is another playmaker with seven points (2 goals, 3 assists) and has contributed significantly to the team’s scoring efforts.

Historical Context
Elon’s recent successes come on the heels of their 2024 CAA regular season title, adding to their momentum. This history of strong performances sets the stage for competitive matches against powerhouse teams like Clemson and Duke.

As the season progresses, Elon will be keen to capitalize on their strong defense and emerging talents to secure victories in these upcoming challenges.

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