ST. DAVIDS, Pa. - The No. 14 Messiah women's soccer team earned a 3-0 victory over the Eastern Eagles on Saturday afternoon. Messiah controlled the pace of play with 27 shots against the Eagles while allowing just three in the contest. Brianna Seip and Kristina Akselsen started the offense for the Falcons with two goals in the first half before Michaela Elliott connected off a corner kick to put the Falcons up 3-0.
 
The Falcons improve to 10-2-1 overall while remaining perfect in the MAC Commonwealth with a 5-0-0 record. The Falcons have not allowed a goal in the first five games in conference play.
 
Messiah will be back in action when they travel to Stevenson on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
 
Wasting No Time
The Falcons struck first in the fourth minute with Brianna Seip's fourth tally of the season. Playing from the midfield, Rachael Tirjan sent a through ball between the Eagles' defensive line to a streaking Seip. With a defender covering her closely, Seip was able to toe-poke the ball toward the keeper. While her initial shot was saved, the rebound came right back to her. After a quick spin to her left, Seip slotted a ball in the back of the net for a 1-0 Messiah lead in the opening minutes of the contest.
 
Just a few minutes later, the Falcons were finding the scoreboard again. This time it was Kristina Akselsen in the 11th minute, netting her third score of the year. Akselsen picked off an Eastern pass on the right side and pushed forward alone before striking for a 2-0 Messiah lead.
 
Messiah continued to pressure throughout the first half forcing a total of eight saves from Eastern's Emily Honig. Messiah threated often with back-to-back quality chances from Jessie Fisher in the 19th and 21st minutes. Brianna Seip, Mallory Johnson, and Bella Touzeau all tested Honig in the final 15 minutes of the half.
 
Despite the pressure, Messiah's lead remained two at the break.
 
Adding Insurance
The Falcons and Eagles began the second half with chances on both ends of the field. Eastern took a pair of shots in the first five minutes that missed the target, while Messiah sent a Rachael Tirjan attempt on frame in the 50th minute that was saved.
 
In the 63rd minute, Messiah earned a corner kick with Michaela Elliott connecting for the Falcons' third tally of the match. The score was her second career and gave the Falcons a 3-0 lead.
 
The Falcons attempted a total of 15 shots in the second half, including seven attempts on frame. The heavy pressure allowed Messiah to control the remainder of the match and earn a 3-0 victory.
 
What's Up Next
The Falcons move to 10-2-1 on the season and hold a perfect, 5-0-0 record in the MAC Commonwealth. Messiah will be back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Owings Mills, Md. to take on the Stevenson Mustangs at 7:00 p.m.