GRANTHAM, Pa. - The No. 5 Messiah women's soccer team hosted the No. 12 Misericordia Cougars on Saturday evening. The Cougars netted a pair of first-half goals en route to a 3-1 victory on Shoemaker Field over the Falcons. Emma Herman tallied the score for the Falcons in the 87th minute on a free kick from just outside the box.
 
The Cougars registered 16 shots against 10 for the Falcons. Misericordia put eight of their shots on frame, while Messiah put five.
 
The Falcons fall to 4-2-1 on the season and will be back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Dickinson to take on the Red Devils at 7:00 p.m.
 
Early Chances
The Falcons had a great chance to jump on top first in the fifth minute with Kristina Akselsen sent a ball toward goal from the right side. Emma Herrmann ran onto the ball at the six, but the ball slid just under her foot and wide of the left post.
 
Just a few minutes later, Messiah tested the Misericordia keeper with shots by Rachael Tirjan in the 11th minute and Herrmann in the 12th minute, but both were turned away.
 
Cougars Draw First Blood
After Messiah's Lydia Watkins' made her first save of the night, the Cougars got on the board first in the 26th minute. The Cougars played a ball into the box that was touched towards goal by the Falcons. Emma Sweitzer ran onto the loose ball and poked a pass over to Michaela Fasolino, who tapped in the cross for a 1-0 Misericordia lead.
 
Just a few minutes before the halftime break, Misericordia was awarded a penalty kick after being fouled just a foot into the top of the box. Fasolino took the kick, aiming to her right, but Lydia Watkins was there for the save. Unfortunately for the Falcons, the rebound went right to Fasolino, who once again tapped in the finish. This time her score put the Cougars up 2-0 heading into the break.
 
Cougars Add Insurance
Just five minutes into the second half, Misericordia's Emma Sweitzer connected with a beautiful left-footed strike from right around the penalty spot to give Misericordia a 3-0 lead. That third goal marked the first time since the 2008 season that the Falcons have conceded three goals in a single game. The previous time was a 4-3 victory over Washington & Lee on Sept. 27, 2008.
 
Herrmann Nets Free Kick
With the Falcons needing goals, Emma Herrmann got Messiah on the board in the 87th minute with a free kick from just outside the box. Her right-footed attempt curled around the wall and into the back of the net for her second score of the season.
 
Herrmann's late score was not enough as the Falcons suffered a 3-1 setback, their first loss against Misericordia in program history.
 
What's Up Next
The Falcons move to 4-2-1 on the season and Messiah will be back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Dickinson to take on the Red Devils at 7:00 p.m. in Carlisle.