WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA — #3 Elon pulled off a stunning upset Thursday night, downing #2 William & Mary 1-0 in a Colonial Athletic Association Championship match that will have significant NCAA Tournament implications. The Phoenix struck early and held firm defensively throughout, with Ashlee Brehio's fourth-minute goal proving to be the difference in front of a crowd at Martin Family Stadium.
Brehio's finish came quickly after kickoff, assisted by Jessica Hill as Elon capitalized on an early opportunity to seize control. The goal arrived at a moment when William & Mary was still finding its rhythm, and it set the tone for a match where the Tribe would spend much of the evening chasing the game. Despite dominating possession and generating chances throughout, the hosts couldn't find the back of the net against a Phoenix defense that remained resolute under pressure.
The first half belonged largely to William & Mary in terms of territory and attacking intent. Mia Abbey, Ivey Crain, and Ella Ledwith all tested Elon's goalkeeper with shots, though none found the target. Grace Gelhaus and Ava Hellner created problems on the other end for the Tribe's backline, but William & Mary's defense managed to keep the scoreline at 1-0 through 45 minutes. The hosts earned eight corner kicks in the opening period—a significant advantage that they couldn't convert into an equalizer.
William & Mary emerged with renewed urgency after halftime, pressing higher and creating additional scoring opportunities. Crain continued to be a constant threat, while Ledwith and Abbey generated chances in dangerous areas. The Tribe's attacking pressure mounted as the second half progressed, but Elon's goalkeeper stood tall with six saves, denying the hosts repeatedly when they came closest to breaking through.
Elon's defensive organization was the story of this match. Despite being outshot 18-11 overall and conceding eight corner kicks, the Phoenix limited William & Mary to just six shots on goal. The visitors managed only 11 total attempts themselves but made their opportunities count—a hallmark of tournament soccer. Elon's back line, anchored by steady play from multiple defenders, refused to break under sustained pressure.
The statistics tell a tale of two different approaches. William & Mary controlled much of the game with superior possession and corner kick opportunities, yet Elon's efficiency and defensive discipline proved decisive. The Phoenix recorded six shots on goal compared to the Tribe's six, but converted their chance when it mattered most. Both teams earned three corners apiece in the second half, though neither could capitalize.
This result represents a major statement in the CAA Championship race. Elon, riding a three-game unbeaten streak and boasting an impressive 11-2-5 record, has now proven it can win on the road against top-ranked opposition. William & Mary, despite its #2 ranking and 7-7-4 record, suffered its first loss in three matches and will need to regroup quickly. The loss stings particularly given the Tribe's dominance in possession and corner kick opportunities.
For Elon, the victory sets up a massive showdown against #1 UNCW on Sunday in another CAA Championship fixture. The Phoenix will look to build momentum from this upset win, while William & Mary must bounce back against a challenging opponent to keep its tournament hopes alive. This match served as a reminder that in knockout soccer, execution trumps possession—and Elon executed when it counted.