By Matt McDermott, GoMessiah.com student manager
Grantham, Pa — In six of their last eight periods, Messiah's defense has been a model of stalwartness, not allowing a goal against Lebanon Valley College last week nor to Wednesday night's opponent, MAC Conference rival Lycoming College.
But it was the other two periods that hit the Falcons' hard, as the Warriors scored seven goals on 22 shots to stop Messiah's hot streak in a 7-4 decision under the lights at Anderson Field.
“This was a tough one for us,” said Geof Weisenborn, Messiah head coach. “I was pleased with the way we competed after halftime, but we just didn't make the most of our early opportunities. Lycoming did, and that's what wound up being the difference in the game.”
Things started as planned for the Falcons, as senior Brent Stewart scored his fifth goal of the year off of junior Phil Wendt's precision pass just 46 seconds into the game. Stewart would net goal number six with 24 seconds left in the period, equaling two goals from Lycoming (5-4, 3-1) scored in the meat of the period.
Another late score from the Warriors made it a 3-2 contest just before the first-period horn sounded, however, as Lyco freshman Stephen Romano scored two goals and assisted on sophomore Ethan Payne's goal with two seconds left in the quarter — giving the visitors a slight lead in a period that was evenly played on the turf.
Lyco's offensive pressure cranked up in the second period, as the Falcons' defense allowed four goals off nine shots. The defense that was a perfect five for five on clears in the first quarter was only four of eight in the second, creating extra chances for the Warriors and limiting the offense to try and make something out of only a handful of true possessions.
“We were really sluggish (in the first half),” Weisenborn said. “I thought our defense fell into bad habits when we went into our zone. We weren't moving our heads to see our space. We struggled clearing the ball and when our offense did have the ball, they didn't take control of the possession, turning the ball over because of poor stick work.
“When the offense doesn't have the ball, they can't score,” he added. “The shots we took (10 in the first and four in the second) were to good locations, but their goalie (Alan Antinarelli) made good saves.”
When halftime came, Weisenborn said he pushed his team to make adjustments to motivate them from their sluggish play.
“The adjustments we made paid off well,” Weisenborn said. “The defensemen woke up and played much better after half. But credit Lyco and their pressure. To Lycoming's credit, they did not give us any real chances on offense to create quality possession, and we wasted some opportunities.”
The game's final 30 minutes was dominated by defense, as only a fourth-quarter goal from junior Pete Owens would scratch an otherwise scoreless half. Messiah went 10 for 13 on clears in the second half but the offense went zero for three on extra-man opportunities, failing to secure a second-period face-off.
“We didn't handle their pressure,” Weisenborn said. “Everyone had sloppy stick work all night and that continues to be an issue. Our defense played better in the second half, but when you turn the ball over on simple passes, it hurts us.”
Despite a disappointing league loss, Weisenborn's squad will have to put Wednesday's result behind them and regain focus, as a trip to MAC foe King's College looms Saturday.
“We always have room to get better and tonight showed some spots where we will improve,” Weisenborn said. “Our defense has played well these last few games, we just have to get better at the small things and finishing our shots.”
Saturday's game will take place at King's McCarthy Stadium. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
