MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Playing in their final match of the regular season, the No. 2 Messiah men's soccer team suffered their first setback of the 2021 campaign, falling on the road to the No. 25 Penn State Harrisburg Lions by a 1-0 final score. The Falcons were shutout for just the second time this season as they move to 14-1-2 on the season.
 
Messiah remains the top seed in the upcoming MAC Commonwealth Tournament, where they will host the Conference Semifinals on Wednesday on Shoemaker Field at 7:00 p.m.
 
Lions Strike First
The Falcons had their most dangerous moments of the match in the 15th minute with back-to-back attempts saved by the Lions' keeper. First the Falcons had an attempt from inside the six, but it was turned away. Just seconds later, Luke Brautigam took a shot from outside the box that was saved.
 
Despite the pressure, the Lions held off the Falcons' attack.
 
In the 30th minute, Penn State Harrisburg had a moment pushing forward. A cross from Sebastian Krysztofow found the head of Joey Aman and the header found the back of the net for a 1-0 lead with just over 15 minutes left to play in the half.
 
In the final seconds of the half, Messiah had a chance with Lucas Kokolios holding the ball on the right side of the box. He hit a solid shot from that right side, but his attempt just missed wide and the Falcons continued to trail 1-0 at the half.
 
Second-Half Push
The Falcons continued to pressure in the second-half, but the Lions were up for the challenge, winning possession at times and throwing the ball forward to get it out of their defensive zone. Messiah was limited with chances on goal, but a Matt McDonald shot in the 60th minute was saved.
 
In the final 30 seconds, Messiah had a pair of corner kicks, but were un able to put a shot on frame and Penn State Harrisburg escaped with the 1-0 victory.
 
What's Up Next
Saturday's setback does nothing in terms of the MAC Commonwealth Tournament picture. The Falcons hold the No. 1 seed in the Tournament that begins for the Falcons on Wednesday when they host the winner of fourth-seeded York and fifth-seeded Stevenson in the MAC Commonwealth Semifinals on Shoemaker Field at 7:00 p.m.