HOBOKEN, N.J. – The No. 17 Messiah women's soccer team faced a 1-0 deficit after 45 minutes of action against the Stevens Ducks in their 2022 season opener. Messiah was up for the challenge in the second half, scoring goals from Brianna Seip, Thea Neimond, and Rachael Tirjan to take a 3-1 lead in the 75th minute.
 
The Ducks put some pressure on late, scoring in the 90th minute to pull within one, but Messiah was able to hold on for a thrilling 3-2 victory to begin the new campaign in the win column.
 
Stevens actually outshot the Falcons in the match, holding a 10-7 advantage in shots. Messiah's attempts were of a higher quality as the Falcons put five of their seven attempts on frame against just three of the Ducks' 10 shots.
 
The Falcons will return home on Saturday for a match against the University of Mary Washington Eagles at 7:00 p.m. on Shoemaker Field.
 
Stevens Strikes First
The Ducks got on the board first in the eighth minute. Stevens sent a cross into the box from the left side. It was touched down and then Rachel Rouse hammered home the finish from the left side of the six. Amelia Rehrig earned the assist and the Ducks led 1-0.
 
After the early fireworks, Messiah settled in. Despite some pressure in the Ducks' end late in the opening half, Messiah was unable to dent the scoreboard and trailed 1-0 after 45 minutes.
 
Second Half Surge
Less than three minutes into the second half, Messiah was able to find their equalizer. Kayla Herr sent a ball over the top to Brianna Seip, who controlled the ball around the keeper and knocked home the Falcons' first goal of the season.
 
Just 11 minutes later, the Falcons were at it again. This time it was off a corner kick. Kenzie Spodnik sent a corner from the left side into the top of the box where Thea Neimond was there for the one-timer. Neimond curled her volley around the goalie and inside the left post for a 2-1 Messiah lead in the 59th minute.
 
In the 75th minute, Rachael Tirjan added what turned out to be a much-needed insurance goal off a strong individual effort. Tirjan hustled into the right corner in Ducks' territory and forced a turnover. That turnover quickly became a one-on-one oprotunity with the keeper. Tirjan's left-footed strike was touched by the keeper but it had enough pace to get into the back of the net for a 3-1 lead.
 
Stevens Scores Late
In the 90th minute, Stevens connected on their second goal of the evening off a corner kick. Olivia Panko headed home a well delivered corner that cut Messiah's lead to 3-2, but the Falcons were able to hold on for the one-goal victory.
 
What's Up Next
The Falcons return home on Saturday for a match with the Mary Washington Eagles. The Falcons and Eagles will get underway on Shoemaker Field at 7:00 p.m. Messiah holds an all-time record of 11-3-0 against Mary Washington.