GRANTHAM, Pa. – In a game full of end-to-end play, aggressive tackles, and heart-stopping play in the boxes, Arcadia found a moment of fortune in the 104' and they took advantage to earn a 1-0 win over Messiah in the MAC Commonwealth Championship. Jess Kelly, the MAC Offensive Player of the Year, chipped a shot from 19 yards out under the bar—and just over the reach keeper Lydia Ewing— to secure golden goal upset.
 
The win moved Arcadia to 15-5, while Messiah lost for the just the second time this season (14-2-3). The win also secured the NCAA Tournament automatic bid to the Knights, while Messiah will undoubtedly receive an at-large nod for next weekend's opening round.
 
Perfect Bounce, Perfect Shot
Messiah's Division III-leading defense held Arcadia to just five shots after the halftime break—and just two shots on frame in the game—but the lone shot by the Knights in the second overtime was the difference. A long and high pass from the edge of the circle by Amanda McHugh went to the left edge of the box, and both Skylar Ulry and her mark slid under the bounce in an attempt to settle the ball. The high bounce carried right to Kelly, and DJ Cole gave her some space in anticipation of a touch forward. But Kelly fired quickly off the volley, and her arching shot tucked just under the crossbar on the near post.
 
Ewing may have been a little flat-footed in expectation of Kelly attacking on the ground, but her leap was nevertheless perfect, and she nearly touched the ball over the bar. Kelly's shot carried through, however, giving the Knights a sudden upset of the No. 1-seeded Falcons.
 
The goal for Kelly was her 18th of the season, and it gave the Falcons their first outright loss in the conference postseason since 2006 (Elizabethtown, 1-0).
 
Better with Time
The loss was certainly unwelcomed, and perhaps even devastating in the moment, but it was also unfortunate considering the Falcons' play as the game wore on. The Falcons' 10-6 advantage on shots in the first period became 6-1 in the second period and, as mentioned, the Falcons allowed just two shots on goal in the entire match. That stat is even more impressive considering the high-pressure and aggressive, direct play by the Knights from the opening whistle.
 
As the time passed, Messiah settled for longer and longer stretches, and they found more than a few opportunities around the Knights' box. The closest Messiah came to scoring may have come in the 87' when Abby Monko sent a hard volley from just inside the 18 to the center of the goal. But keeper Brianna Williams made the best save of the same with a leaping punch over the crossbar to keep it 0-0.
 
In the Box
Messiah's 17-11 advantage in shots included a 6-2 edge in shots on goal. Each team earned four corners, and the teams combined for 21 fouls in what was a physical contest from start to finish.
 
The goal allowed was just the third of the season for Messiah. The shutout for Arcadia was their ninth of the season.
 
Up Next
The NCAA Selection show for Division III women's soccer will air on Monday at 1:00 p.m. The Knights will be in the tournament by way of the automatic qualifier, while Messiah will surely hear their name called by way of an at-large bid.
 
Fans are encouraged to follow GoMessiah.com for the direct link to Monday's show.