Glenside, PA - In a matchup between NSCAA Top 25 teams, No. 5 Messiah College defeated No. 22 Arcadia Knights 1-0 Saturday afternoon. Missy Biener tallied the only goal of the day early in the contest, with the goal coming just 2:08 into play. The remainder of the contest was a demonstration of stellar defense by the Falcons, despite a constant attack from the Knights' offense throughout the second-half.

The win helped the Falcons to finish the season at 15-2 and a perfect 8-0 in MAC Commonwealth. Messiah also clinched the No. 1 seed in the MAC Commonwealth playoffs that begin next week with today's victory over the No. 2 seeded Knights. Arcadia fell to 16-2 and 6-2 in conference play.

The Falcons wasted no time, scoring in the first two minutes of play. Biener was able to sneak her shot past Evelyn Feigeles and into the net to give Messiah the early 1-0 advantage.

The Knights were not deterred by the goal however, and looked quickly for the equalizing goal. Only 41 seconds after the goal, Arcadia advanced the ball down the field and fired a shot on goal. Unfortunately for Bridget Sway and the Knights, Sara Yunez was there to make the save. This attempt wound up being the lone shot for Arcadia in the first-half.

After those two quick attempts, the game became a battle of the midfield, with the Falcons controlling tempo and possession for a majority of the half. The Knights defense did however hold strong throughout the first-half, limiting Messiah to eight shots in the opening frame and minimizing good scoring chances.

The Falcons' best chance to extend their lead came in the 32nd minute. DJ Cole possessed the ball just across midfield, when she found Erin Sollenberger ahead in the center of the field. Sollenberger turned and played Ellie Lengacher into space, who had a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper from the penalty spot, but her shot lifted above the crossbar and out-of-bounds.

After several minutes of scoreless action, the Falcons would take a 1-0 lead into the break. Despite having advantages in shots (8-1) and corners (1-0), the score remained tight entering the second-half.

The battle of the midfield continued into the second-half, however Arcadia began to control possession and field advantage, forcing the Messiah defense to show their prowess.

Early in the final period, Messiah had a great opportunity to increase their lead but failed to convert. Marisa Weaver possessed the ball inside the box before she dropped it back to Sunny Gelnovatch. She touched twice to her left and ripped a left-footed shot from the edge of the box that ricocheted off the crossbar and into the hands of Feigeles.

After that, the Knights offense continued to attack and put pressure on the Falcon backline. However the Falcon defense, headlined by Sarah Strachan, Kayla Deckert, Summerly Merson and Skylar Ulry, continued to rise to the challenge and keep the Knights scoreless.

In the 63rd minute, Arcadia had consecutive attempts that appeared as if they would even the score, but both times Yunez made the save. Seven minutes later, Lennon Kramer launched a shot that landed into the hands of Yunez yet again.

Arcadia's offense continued to press, but Messiah remained poised throughout the final moments of the contest. The Falcons were able to utilize great defense with steady passing to help tick off the last minutes of the game and secure the victory.

The Knights outshot the Falcons 9-3 in the second-half, marking the first time the Falcons were outshot in a half in conference play this season. It was also only the second time the Falcons allowed 10 or more shots from their opponents this year, the last coming Sept. 2 against Stevens. However, despite the numerous opportunities the Knights created, the Falcons kept Arcadia off the scoreboard throughout and finish the regular season with their thirteenth-consecutive victory.

Messiah will return to action Wednesday night when they host the MAC Commonwealth Semifinal at Shoemaker Field. They will face the winner of the No. 4 and No. 5 seed matchup that takes place on Monday evening. Kickoff time is set for 7:00 PM.