BUIES CREEK, N.C. – One of the hottest men's soccer teams in the Big South stayed that way on Monday night in North Carolina. Eren Elbustu scored twice and added two assists as Campbell took out Longwood 8-0.
The Fighting Camels (13-2-2 overall, 7-0-0 Big South) haven't lost in 10 straight matches and were coming off a 1-1 tie with 21
st ranked North Carolina last week.
Elbustu had a hand in his team's first three goals as a torrid 10-minute stretch from Campbell's offense turned a scoreless match into a 3-0 CU lead. The Fighting Camels came in ranked eighth in the nation (and first in the Big South) with 2.44 goals scored per game and had eight players record a point in the contest.
The Lancers (5-9 overall, 0-6 Big South) recorded the first shot of the match on
Tosin Ayokunle's attempt in the fifth minute, but it was blocked. From that point on, Campbell came forward in endless waves and kept Longwood on its heels.
"Campbell are the strongest team in conference, and while we are patched up, there is no excuse for that score line," Longwood head coach
Jon Atkinson said. "It was a night to play big and brave, and unfortunately the game was too big for us, and we wilted after a bright opening, making far too many errors to go unpunished. Instead of taking a step closer to them we took two steps back and created all amounts of space, which this level team will lap up."
After halftime,
Alex Plimmer's attempt was saved, and AJ Kmiec had a pair of shots go wide.
Campbell goalkeepers Samuel Lechuga and Matt Karasinski combined for the shutout.
"This will sting, and if there is a positive to be had, it is we will see who takes this to heart and make the changes necessary to right the ship for our final two games," Atkinson said.
The Lancers will continue their push for a spot in the Big South Championship Tournament when they face UNC Asheville in Farmville on Saturday night for Senior Night. First touch is set for 7 p.m.
#GoWood
