GRANTHAM, Pa. – Colby Thomas collected a career-high three assists and Kirby Robbins scored twice to help No. 7 Messiah men's soccer win 3-0 over Alvernia on Saturday night. Nick West also tallied for the Falcons as they moved to 9-1 this season.
 
Alvernia fell to 5-5-1 with the loss.
 
Furious Finish
In the 22' Messiah came close to getting on the board when a foul just outside the 18 set up a free kick for Nick West. His shot—which was taken from a few yards to the right of center field—went hard to right post where Zach Rider made a terrific diving save to keep the Falcons off the board.
 
Just six minutes later West found another chance, and he didn't miss. Colby Thomas corralled a loose ball about 40 yards out and fed West behind the Golden Wolves' defense on the left side. West sprinted onto the possession and hammered home a shot from inside box for a 1-0 lead. The shot was nothing short of stunning as it rocketed past Rider, across the goal, and inside the far post.
 
Thomas the Train Pain
Coming into tonight Colby Thomas was wearing out opposing teams to the tune of five goals and two assists in the past six games, and he added to those totals with another strong showing. His relentless and irritating presence was on full display, especially when he set up the Falcons' second goal. In 50' he wrestled with three defenders atop the 18 and managed to weave through the scrum before dropping a short pass to the left for Kirby Robbins, who quickly turned and fired with his left foot past Rider.
 
The goal was second in as many games, and it was also just his first of the night.
 
One More Time
Messiah sealed the game late when Thomas beat his man on the right side and attacked the post before dropping a quick pass back for Robbins' one-timer into the net. The tally marked the fourth time this season that Robbins and Thomas paired for a goal.
 
In the Box
Messiah outshot Alvernia 16-4, and Conner Bell was forced to make just two saves on the night as the Falcons midfield and defense kept the Golden Wolves from putting together any sustained threat.
 
Up Next
Messiah will go on the road to Albright next Tuesday, Oct. 3 for a match at 7:00 p.m. The Lions are 2-8-1 overall and won last night over Stevenson, 2-0.