GRANTHAM, Pa. – On Saturday afternoon, the Messiah University men's soccer team used a late goal from Patrick Lee to defeat the Spartans of York College, 2-1, for their sixth-straight and 21st Conference Championship in program history. Both teams fought hard in the first half, leading to a 0-0 tie entering the break. The Falcons broke through on the scoreboard in the 60th minute with a Sam Phillips goal to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead. The Spartans answered back with a penalty kick just a minute later to tie the game at one. The Falcons and Spartans seemed destined for overtime, but Patrick Lee scored the game-winner in the 85th minute to give the Falcons a 2-1 win. Jarec Morlote was named MAC Commonwealth Tournament MVP.
 
Up next, the Falcons earned an automatic bid to the 2024 NCAA Tournament and will find out their placement on Monday, Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. on NCAA.com.

First Half
The first half opened with Messiah starting strong with possession, but the York defense shut any Falcons attempt at goal. The physical play set the tone for the entire game as both sides played through a hard fought first half tied at 0. The Falcons totaled five shots, but no shots on goal and the Falcons defense shut down the York attack allowing zero shots.
 
Second Half
As the second half began the play started to open up more for both offenses. The Falcons though looked to get on the board first in the 60th minute. The Falcons started the play with some quick passes by the defense and then Davis Pagett sent a long ball towards the far-side corner to Patrick Lee. Lee worked into the box, through a York defender and then sent a low cross to the middle of the box. Sam Phillips was there waiting and drilled a one-timer into the back of the goal to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead. The Spartans added a goal just a minute later on a penalty kick after a handball in the box by a Falcons defender to tie the game at one. The physical play continued as the second half featured three yellow cards between the two teams. The Falcons though kept the pressure on the physical defense of the Spartans. Isaac Schmitke, Dylan Englehart, and Davis Pagett each sent shots on goal, but each shot was saved by the York goalkeeper to keep the game tied with 10 minutes remaining. The game seemed like it going to head to overtime with both teams battling, but the Falcons earned a great chance in the 85th minute. After a strong tackle in the midfield, the Falcons gained possession. Josh Bratager dribbled the ball all the way up to the box and sent a pass over to Patrick Lee. Lee the ripped a shot that bounced off a York defender and into the bottom-left corner to give the Falcons the 2-1 lead. The Falcons defense did not allow any other shots from the Spartans and the Falcons won their sixth-straight Conference Championship, 2-1.
 
Stats
Patrick Lee led the Falcons with a goal and an assist. Sam Phillips also added a goal for the Falcons. Josh Bratager also tallied an assist. The Falcons totaled 16 shots with seven shots on goal. The Spartans tallied one shot on goal. The Falcons earned eight corner kicks to the Spartans two. Adam Carter earned the win in goal for the Falcons.
 
Next
The Falcons earned an automatic bid to the 2024 NCAA Tournament and will find out their placement on Monday, Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. on NCAA.com.