FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – No. 11 Messiah men's soccer scored three goals in the second-half to come from behind in a 3-1 win over Chapman University in the 2017 season-opener.
 
Zero Sum Start
The first period of the season saw Messiah have more of the possession and opportunities, but it nevertheless resulted in 0-0 score. Head coach Brad McCarty used the time to also play deep into the roster with nine subs in the first 45 minutes alone. A total of 11 subs would see the field on the afternoon.
 
Ten Minute Turnaround
The uneventful first-half was flipped upside down in the final frame, with four goals scored in less than 15 minutes. Chapman earned the first of the afternoon when Lorenzo Belassen floated a pass into the box for a one-touch score from Justo Garcia.
 
The goal against didn't rattle the Falcons, however, as they responded with three goals in a span of less than 10 minutes. The equalizer came in the 56' off a corner serve from Colby Thomas. The ball landed into a skirmish and Nick West punched it through for a 1-1 score. Just three minutes later Danny Brandt was slotted behind the defense for a one-one-one with keeper Sean Augustine, and Brandt bent it around Augustine's reach for the lead.
 
In the 66' Nick West tallied again, this time off a cross from the right side that resulted in a shot off the defense and over the goal line.
 
In the Box
The Falcons gave up nine shots to the Panthers, but they doubled up their opponent in shots on goal (10-5). Connor Bell made four saves in a solid showing, and Messiah played a clean gave with just four fouls committed.
 
Next Up
The Falcons will turn around and play host Mary Washington tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. The Eagles are playing Methodist University this evening.