GRANTHAM, Pa. – On Wednesday evening, the eighth-ranked Messiah University women's soccer team defeated the Bullets of Gettysburg College, 2-0. The Falcons got off to a strong start with goal from
Brittany Laird to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute. The Falcons continued their push on the offensive end and were rewarded in the 35th minute with a long-range goal from
Kristina Akselsen to put the Falcons up 2-0 headed into the half. The Falcons continued the pressure in the second half and their defense stayed strong, not allowing a single shot in the second half.
Up next, the Falcons host the Spartans of York College (Pa.) on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
First Half
The Falcons started the game strong controlling possession and getting some quality chances early with a
Brittany Laird shot that was saved and an
Addi Martin shot that hit the right post. The Falcons continued pressure paid off in the 14th minute. After some passing back-and-forth between
Bella Touzeau and
Julia Martin, Martin sent a cross into the box. After a Bullets defender failed to clear the ball,
Brittany Laird sent a shot into the bottom-left corner to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead. The Falcons continued the pressure with
Addi Martin sending two shots on goal, but each shot was saved by the Bullets' goalkeeper. The Falcons looked to get back on the board in the 35th minute. After the Bullets tried to clear the ball,
Jenna Skurcenski sent a pass to
Kristina Akselsen about 25 yards from the goal. Akselsen then turned and ripped a shot into the back of the goal to give the Falcons a 2-0 lead. Just less than 30 seconds later, the Bullets looked for an opportunity to score, but the shot that Gettysburg sent towards goal was saved by
Izzy Pizzuto to keep the Falcons lead to 2-0 at the break.
Second Half
The Falcons dominated possession in the second half out shooting the Bullets 13-0 throughout the second half. Even with shots on goal from
Bella Touzeau,
Hannah Adair, and
Mia Libby, the Falcons could not add to their 2-0 lead. The Falcons midfield and defense though, kept the Bullets offense from gaining any momentum and the Falcons defeated the Bullets 2-0.
Stats
Brittany Laird and
Kristina Akselsen each scored a goal for the Falcons.
Jenna Skurcenski tallied an assist. The Falcons totaled 25 shots with 10 shots on goal. The Bullets lone shot was a shot on goal. The Falcons earned all eight corner kicks in the game.
Izzy Pizzuto earned the win goal for the Falcons and made one save.
Next
The Falcons host the Spartans of York College (Pa.) on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
