Box Score
Glenside, PA – Messiah College received second half goals from sophomore
Brian Ramirez and senior
Dan Squire on Tuesday night, winning on the road at Arcadia University by the score of 2-1. The win moves Messiah—who on Tuesday also ascended to the No. 1 ranking the NSCAA Top 25 Poll— to 16-0-1 overall, including 8-0 in the Commonwealth Conference.
The Falcons' 2-0 lead on Tuesday was cut in half with just over 12 minutes to play, as Zach Todd put home a penalty kick score for the host Knights. Though working to the final horn, Arcadia did not manage to threaten Messiah for a game-tying score.
Tuesday's game started similarly to Messiah's previous two contests, with their opponent playing extremely heavy in the backfield in hopes of keeping the Falcons off the scoreboard. And, similar to the Falcons' previous two games—wins over Lycoming (6-0) and Widener (1-0, OT)—the Knights managed to enter halftime in a scoreless tie. Nevertheless, Messiah's consistent ball control and speed of play continued to pound on the Knights' defense and finally broke through in the 55th minute of action.
Ramirez was the one to break the 0-0 standstill, as he took possession of a ball cleared from the Knights' box five yards off the 18-yard line. After quickly faking to his right, drilled a shot past his defender and inside the post. Shooting through the cluster of Arcadia defenders and Messiah teammates, Ramirez's shot proved to be unstoppable by keeper Ryan Lantzy.
The goal demanded a change in approach by Arcadia, as they now faced a deficit. As they began to expand their field position, the Falcons quickly pounced for a second score just 12 minutes after going up 1-0.
Dan Squire and
Bryant Myer combined for the score, as Myer returned a pass to Squire for a strike off the outside of his right foot. Squire's shot curled over Lantzy and underneath the crossbar to give Messiah a 2-0 lead.
In complete control at this point, Squire's goal proved to be important as Arcadia managed to cut their deficit in half with Todd's PK score in the 78th minute of play. The attempt was the result of a foul called on the edge of the penalty box after Arcadia played a long ball down the sideline.
Though winning by a narrow 2-1 score, Messiah played from start to finish with consistent control. They attempted 17 shots overall—10 in the second half—while Arcadia managed just four shots. Messiah also took 11 corner kicks to zero for the Knights.
Now 8-0 in the Commonwealth, Messiah will look to complete an undefeated conference season when they host Albright College on Saturday, Oct. 27. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. on Shoemaker Field.
