FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – No. 11 Messiah men's soccer finished up a strong opening weekend with their second 3-1 decision, this time over host Mary Washington. Kirby Robbins, Justin Brautigam, and Samuel Ruiz Plaza all scored in the win, and the Falcons' defense allowed just three shots on goal.
 
Early Advantage
Messiah was into Eagle territory from the beginning, and Kirby Robbins nearly put one through in the 10' when a loose ball came to him on the left side of the box. His quick swing put the ball across the ground and just outside the post. The missed chance didn't haunt the Falcons for long, however, as a free kick in the 14' resulted in a handball near the goal, setting up Robbins for a penalty kick. He put it through for the early 1-0 lead.
 
Messiah came close to doubling their advantage in the 20' when Nick West was played through the defense and into the box. Mary Washington keeper Matt Spencer came off his line to meet West, and West tried to touch to the side for a better angle. But his touch was too heavy and it went over the line for a goal kick.
 
Despite the missed chance, Messiah capitalized early in the second-half with a goal from Justin Brautigam. He was set up by the brilliant one-on-one play from Colby Thomas on the right side, as his weave through two defenders finished with a slot back to Brautigam for the one-touch tally.
 
Enough in the Back
The Falcons allowed their second goal in as many days, but they nevertheless allowed just seven total shots to the Eagles. Connor Bell also came up with five saves, including a quick-reflex grab of Daniel Kalke's strike through a mess in the 42'.
 
Messiah also limited to the Eagles to just four corner kicks, with just a single attempt coming in the second period. Altogether the Falcons kept Mary Washington out of their territory as the game wore on.
 
Put Away Late
While the Falcons' midfield and defense kept possession away from the Eagles, the front third earned a goal back with just over 10 minutes to play. David Alejos beat his man on the left side and dropped a pass back to Samuel Ruiz Plaza for hard strike that beat Spencer on the ground and inside the near post.
 
The tally for Ruiz Plaza was the Falcons' sixth in two games, and he was their fifth different goal scorer.  
 
Up Next
The Falcons play a third-straight road match next Wednesday when they travel to No. 18 Haverford. The Fords hold a 1-0 record after beating Cabrini 3-0 in their season-opener on Friday evening.