YORK, Pa. – On Wednesday evening, the fourth-ranked Messiah University women's soccer defeated the Spartans of York College, 1-0 to earn the top-seed in the MAC Commonwealth Tournament. The Falcons jumped in front of the Spartans early with a goal from Addi Martin in the 15th minute. The Falcons could not add to their lead the rest of the way, but the Messiah defense shut down the Spartans offense, and the Falcons earned the 1-0 win.
 
Up next, the Falcons host the Blazers of Hood College on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 5:00 p.m. for senior day.
 
First Half
The Falcons controlled possession to start the game and looked for a chance to get on the scoreboard in the 13th minute with a corner kick. After the corner was sent into the box Brittany Laird got a foot on the ball, but a York defender on the goal line headed the ball out to prevent an early Falcons goal. The Falcons continued to pressure the Spartans defense and in the 15th minute Addi Martin broke the tie with a goal from the top-left corner of the box to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead. The Falcons continued on the attack with a shot on goal from Alayna WIlliams, but the shot was saved to hold York within one. Martin added another shot on goal in the 43rd minute, but the Spartans goalkeeper made the save to keep the score at 1-0 headed into the half.
 
Second Half
The Falcons opened the second half looking to add to their lead. Hannah Adair sent a pair of shots on goal, but each shot was saved to keep the score at 1-0 in the 67th minute. The Falcons had another great chance in the 81st minute to extend their lead with a corner kick. Addi Martin got a shot off from the corner, but the shot was saved, and the Falcons remained up by a goal. The Spartans got one final chance with a corner kick with 10 seconds remaining. York got a shot off, but Bailie Dull blocked the shot before it could go onto goal and the Falcons earned the 1-0 win and the top seed in the MAC Commonwealth Tournament.
 
Stats
Addi Martin scored the game-winner in the 15th minute. The Falcons totaled 19 shots with seven shots on goal. The Spartans tallied three shots with one shot on goal. The Falcons earned 11 corner kicks to the Spartans' one. Ava Wert earned the win in goal for the Falcons. 
 
Next
The Falcons host the Blazers of Hood College on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 5:00 p.m. for senior day.