BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – In an exhibition match that spanned 110 minutes, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs fell to the Elon Phoenix, 2-1, at Greene-Haribson Stadium on Thursday evening.

"It was great for the guys to get out on the field and begin preparations for the 2018 regular season," said head coach Tony Setzer. "I thought the team displayed tremendous energy during the duration of the contest. Our veterans provided leadership and led by example for the younger guys, some of whom saw their first collegiate action tonight. We have some stuff to work on before the regular season begins, but I am confident that we will continue to make positive strides."

The match remained quiet for the first 45 minutes despite chances from both teams. Elon tested Gardner-Webb freshman keeper Grant Glorioso in the opening half, but he made two saves to keep the game scoreless.

For Gardner-Webb, Petter Johansen and Jack Hoey both recorded shots on goal, but the two teams remained deadlocked at the intermission.

Elon controlled the tempo early in the second period, taking four of the first five shots. After the Runnin' Bulldogs threated, the Phoenix once again took control of the pace and took a 1-0 lead in the 68^th minute when Jack Edwards scored from the top of the box.

Just 12 minutes later, Edwards would score again, putting Gardner-Webb behind, 2-0. After 90 minutes of action, Elon was in front, but the two teams decided to duke it out for an additional 20 minutes.

While the Phoenix took the majority of the shots between in the two teams in the last 20 minutes, the Runnin' Bulldogs were the ones who converted.

Gardner-Webb took just a pair of shots in the additional period, and with five seconds remaining, Roman Eddleman scored off a pass from Giovanni Lagnerini, making it a 2-1 final score.

​​​​​​​Elon outshot Gardner-Webb, 16-10, and took eight shots on goal, compared to seven for the Runnin' Bulldogs.

In goal, Elon's Peter Wentzel made six saves. Glorioso was credited with four saves in 86 minutes, while Jan Kuepper made two saves in 24 minutes.

The Runnin' Bulldogs will play their final exhibition match at South Carolina on Saturday, August 18. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.