XML Box Score Chester, PA - Messiah College held Widener University without a shot on Saturday and took advantage of an early goal from
Emily Schneider to win 1-0 on the road. The goal was Schneider's fifth of the season and came in the 16th minute off a pass from the right end line by
Nikki Elsaesser.
The Falcons dominated territory throughout the game and, as mentioned, held the Pride without a shot; Saturday's win marked the fifth time this season the Falcons have held their opponent without a shot in game.
The shots for Messiah, however, came early and often. The Falcons launched five shots—all saved—by the 13:10 mark. Their sixth shot came off the foot of Schneider after Elsaesser collapsed the defense with her attack to the right side of the net.
From that point Widener continued to be conservative with their defense even though that allowed Messiah to control possession. The Falcons struck five more shots in the first half, but Valerie Perretti collected seven saves total in the first half to limit the damage.
The second half played similar to the first, with Messiah attempting another 13 shots and Perretti grabbing five more saves. Widener did manage to attempt their one-and-only corner in the second half but were unable to build any legitimate threat.
The win kept Messiah unbeaten in the Commonwealth at 7-0 and moved their overall record to 14-2-1. Widener fell to 13-2-3 overall and 3-2-2 in the conference.
Messiah will return to the field on Tuesday, Oct. 29 when they host Arcadia University at 7:00 p.m. on Shoemaker Field.
