Second-Half Push Lifts No. 16 Duke Over Elon Tuesday

Tuesday, October 8

Elon, N.C.

7 p.m.

Duke University

5-2-3, 2-1-2

Elon

8-3-1, 4-1-0

Duke

Elon

Second-Half Push Lifts No. 16 Duke Over Elon Tuesday

10/8/2024 11:03:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

ELON, N.C. – Graduate Adam Luckhurst and sophomore Ulfur Bjornsson recorded second-half goals on Tuesday as No. 16 Duke men's soccer (5-2-3) defeated Elon (8-3-1), 2-1 at Rudd Field.

Trailing by a goal to start the second half, Duke pressured the Phoenix all second half, sparked by a quick tally from the Blue Devils' leading goal scorer in the 47th minute. Luckhurst received a pass from Drew Kerr and Bjornsson to knot the match at one and push the momentum Duke's way.

Less than seven minutes later, Bjornsson found the back of the net to give Duke the lead, as Trevor Burns used his space and found Bjornsson on the left wing. The goal snapped a two-match scoring drought for the Iceland native and his three-point effort has him tied for the team lead with 18 points.

Graduate Wessel Speel was strong in net for the Blue Devils, registering three saves including one in the second half to stunt any Elon opportunities late. The Phoenix played the final 11 minutes of action a man down, after Korey Philpot was shown his second yellow of the contest.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Both sides used the first 20 minutes of play, feeling out the pace of play with Duke controlling possession in the attacking third.
In the 41st minute, the Phoenix opened the scoring, as Ryan Manna headed a ball into the back of the net, 1-0.
At the half, Elon led the shot totals 6-2, with four on frame. Duke held the advantage in corners 2-1.
Minutes into the second half, graduate Adam Luckhurst found some more magic, slotting home the equalizer from six yards out. Sophomore Ulfur Bjornsson and junior Drew Kerr set up the attack and were credited with the assists, 1-1.
The Blue Devils continued to pressure the Phoenix in the second half, as Bjornsson tallied a goal of his own to give Duke the lead in the 54th minute, after Trevor Burns dribbled through the Elon defense and slotted a pass to Bjornsson, 2-1.
Elon was assessed a second yellow card in the 79th minute and was forced to play a man down for the remainder of the match.

NOTES

Graduate Adam Luckhurst has now tallied a goal in five straight matches, dating back to September 13 against North Carolina. Luckhurst now has tallied nine goals this season to lead the team and is tied for the team lead in points with 18.
Sophomore Ulfur Bjornsson found the back of the net for the first time since Duke's road fixture against Stanford. Bjornsson tallied a goal and an assist on Tuesday at Elon. His goal was the third game-winning goal of the season for the Icelander, leading the Blue Devils.
Graduate Wessel Speel faced 10 shots on the evening, recording three saves for Duke in the back.
The Blue Devils held the advantage in corners on the evening, 5-4 and outshot the Phoenix 7-4 in the second half.

UP NEXT

Duke returns to the friendly confines of Koskinen Stadium for an ACC contest against Wake Forest on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ACCNX.

To stay up to date with Blue Devils men's soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeMSOC".

Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu

#GoDuke