Thomas scores 50th career goal to help Elon shut out No. 13 Wake Forest

Thomas

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The No. 13 Demon Deacons (9-3-4) became the third ranked team to fall and be shutout at home for the Phoenix this season. Elon (11-4-1) has now posted shutouts three of its past four matches against ACC opponents, including two in a row against the Demon Deacons. The Phoenix also improved to 4-1 on the year against ranked competition.

Thomas earned his milestone goal in the 16th minute on a penalty kick after Wake Forest was called for a foul in the box. Thomas pushed the ball past keeper Andrew Harris and found the back left corner, extending his all-time goals mark for his career. It was also the 20th score of the 2012 campaign for Thomas, increasing his single-season mark in that category.

Thomas is now three points away from tying Mike Wessels’ all-time mark for total points scored. Wessels had 113 points from 1985-88 while Thomas currently sits with 110.

Much like in Elon’s 1-0 win at Appalachian State this past Saturday, the Phoenix played majority of the second half on its heels with the back six and keeper Nathan Dean constantly put under pressure. The Demon Deacons held a 4-1 advantage on corners in the second half, but could never convert the equalizer.

Thomas nearly put the Phoenix ahead 2-0 in the 57th minute after working his way in near the Wake 18-yard mark, but his bending right-to-left strike ricocheted off the right post.

Dean made a couple of great stops between the posts, adding his fifth shutout of the season to place him in a tie for sixth all-time in a single-season.

Michael Gamble had four shots to lead Wake Forest with four other teammates contributing two shots apiece. Harris had one save in 90 minutes between the posts for the Demon Deacons.