No. 5 Messiah 1, Penn State Harrisburg 0

Harrisburg Starters

Guglielmetti, Gahomera, Jones, Nichik, Kirsch, Zagorski, Cummings, Ventura, Krantweiss, Gartley, Myers

Messiah Starters

Daniels, Johnson, Robbins, Kokolios, Lefever, Fitz, King, Ruark, Cole, Lent-Koop, Flanders

How It Happened

No. 5 Messiah needed a late score to escape Nittany Soccer Field with a slim 1-0 victory over Penn State Harrisburg on Wednesday evening, Sept. 4.

The nationally-ranked Falcons (1-2) netted the game-winning goal with 18:03 left to play when Christian Valen connected on a strike from the right side of the box off an assist from Matt McDonald, ending a 70-plus minute scoreless streak that began with the opening kickoff.

The Lions (1-2) had their chances, beginning with a good look in close from Jon Gartley that sailed just inches over of the crossbar five minutes into the contest. A corner kick led to a potential scoring opportunity early in the second half but an attempt from Bobby Kirsch following Haydyn Zagorski's insertion skirted wide of goal.

Perhaps the best look of the evening came when Zach Hambleton fired a shot towards the Messiah net that required a leaping save by goalkeeper Nate Flanders to deflect the ball over the crossbar in the 75th minute.

Aaron Cummings and Jacob Krantweiss did their best to get off attempts at an equalizer in the final four minutes but the former was turned away by Flanders before the latter's effort sailed right with less than half a minute remaining.

Inside the Numbers

- Messiah finished with a 19-to-9 edge in total shots and a 9-to-2 advantage in shots on frame.

- The Falcons racked up eight corner kicks, while Penn State Harrisburg earned a pair.

- Christian Valen's game-winning goal was Messiah's first marker of the season.

- Zach Hambleton and Aaron Cummings accounted for the Lions' two shots on goal.

- Nicholas Guglielmetti was stout in goal for the Blue & White, making eight saves against one of the nation's top teams.

- Messiah goalkeeper Nate Flanders made two stops en route to earning the victory.

Who's Next?

The Lions take part in Mayor's Cup action when they travel to Hartwick for another non-conference tilt on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 7.

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