Grantham, PA – No. 1 Messiah College put behind them a scoreless first-half by tallying twice in the first minutes after the break en route to a 3-1 win over No. 6 Montclair State University. 
 
Jeremy Payne and Jack Thompson each scored before three minutes passed in the second-half, and Benji Kennel added a tally later in the game to make it 3-0. A goal in the 68th minute by the Red Hawks ended the shutout, but the Falcons nevertheless moved to 8-0.
 
The Falcons recovered from a shaky start—thanks, in large part, to both a blocked shot and a diving save by Brandon West in the opening minutes—to settle into their own territory. Still, they were unable to finish any of their 12 shots, with Michael Gonzalez doing his part to frustrate the Falcons with three saves.
 
The second-half, however, was a different story. Just 90 seconds in Jack Thompson fired a shot that was saved by Gonzalez, hit off the right post, and was put through by Payen. Moments later, Thompson beat his defender on the left side and sent a shot through to the right side for a quick 2-0 advantage.
 
Payne's goal was his eighth of the season; Thompson's was his third.
 
The 2-0 lead was added to later in the half when Carter Robbins played a corner serve to Benji Kennel for a quick score in front of the net.
 
John Starner ended the shutout bid a few minutes later with a diving header off a serve by Kyle Goodwin.
 
Though now within two goals, Messiah had the better of the remaining chances before settling for 3-1 win.
 
The Falcons will next play on Wednesday, Sept. 24 when they host rival York College at 7:00 p.m.