GRANTHAM, PA - The No. 2 Messiah men's soccer team improved to 7-0-1 with a 2-1 win over New York University on Saturday afternoon. Matt McDonald tallied the fastest goal to start a game in Messiah men's soccer history, netting a score just 21 seconds into the contest. That record-breaking score along with a 75th minute goal from Trevor Swartz gave the Falcons the 2-1 victory.

The Falcons will be back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Williamsport, Pa. to take on the Warriors of Lycoming in a non-conference battle. 

How It Happened
Less than half a minute into the game, Messiah turned over the Violets in their own end. Ben Lefever fed Matt McDonald for a quick strike and a 1-0 Messiah led before most of the fans had a chance to find their seats. McDonald netted his ninth tally of the season just 21 seconds into the contest. It was the fastest goal to start a game in Messiah men's soccer history, edging the previous record held by Danny Thompson by eight seconds. Thompson scored 29 seconds into a match against Ohio Wesleyan on Sept. 2, 2011. In total, McDonald's score was just the fifth-ever Messiah men's soccer goal in the opening minute of a match.

Despite multiple other chances in the half, the Falcons could not convert with any of the five shots on goal and took a 1-0 lead into the break. 

The Violets countered with a goal early in the second half, evening the game at 1-1. The Falcons continued to create opportunities, finally converting a second score in the 75 mth minute, this time from Trevor Swartz to make the game 2-1. McDonald was a major factor on that goal as well giving Swartz the assist on the goal. 

What's Up Next
With the win, Messiah improves to 7-0-1 on the year. The Falcons will be back in action agianst the Lycoming Warriors on Wednesday, Sept. 28, in a non-conference tilt which will be played in Williamsport, Pa.