ws090421
2
William Smith WIL (1-1-0, 0-0-0)
4
Winner Messiah MES (1-0-0, 0-0-0)
William Smith WIL
(1-1-0, 0-0-0)
2
Final
4
Messiah MES
(1-0-0, 0-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
William Smith WIL 1 1 2
Messiah MES 1 3 4

Game Recap: Women's Soccer |

Falcons Stand Tall in Battle of National Heavyweights

GRANTHAM, Pa. - In the marquee matchup of the opening weekend, the No. 1 Messiah women's soccer team defeated the No. 2 William Smith Herons, 4-2, on Shoemaker Field in its season opener. The Falcons and Herons squared off in the 2019 National Championship Match with Messiah earning a 1-0 victory nearly two years ago. In their first contest since that National Title, Messiah had to score three goals after the half to pick up the season-opening victory.
 
Rachael Tirjan led the way for Messiah, contributing two goals to begin the Falcons' 2021 season in winning fashion.
 
The clash of the two top teams proved to be a high-scoring contest. It took only five minutes for William Smith to get on the board first, 1-0, from a left-footed strike to the top left corner of the frame by Sheila McQuillen. McQuillen's goal was from 18 yards out, putting the Falcons in a prompt one-goal disadvantage. The following 24 minutes of gameplay remained scoreless until Messiah pulled level, 1-1, from a tally by Tirjan. The game-tying goal was an unassisted effort as the two sides entered halftime level.
 
Both Messiah and William Smith combined for four goals in the second half with the Falcons outscoring the Herons, 3-1. Messiah claimed its first lead of the game just three minutes into the half when Kayla Herr converted from the penalty spot. Leading, 2-1, the Falcons continued to pour it on and assert their dominance as defending National Champions. Just three minutes later, Tirjan notched her second goal of the game, building the edge over William Smith to 3-1. Tirjan's second goal was a breakaway tally, getting in behind the Herons' defense and ultimately rounding the goalkeeper for an easy tap-in finish.
 
The Falcons (Kenzie Spodnik) and Herons (Julia Keogh) added goals in the final 10 minutes, but the Falcons prevailed for the 4-2 victory. Herr added an assist to her one goal performance, while goalkeeper Lydia Watkins finished the game with two saves.
 
With the win over second-ranked William Smith, top-ranked Messiah begins the season 1-0.
 
What's Up Next
The Falcons are back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Baltimore to take on No. 6 Johns Hopkins at 7:00 p.m.