Messiah Tops Men's Soccer 4-0 in Commonwealth Conference Semi Finals

Grantham, PA - Albright's first post-season appearance in 25 years had an unhappy ending, as Messiah topped the Lions 4-0 in the Commonwealth Conference semi-finals. The Falcons are 17-2 on the season and advance to Saturday's championship game against Elizabethtown, a 3-0 winner at Lycoming in the other Commonwealth semi final. Albright falls to 8-9-2 overall in 2007.

Messiah got a goal just 1:09 into the contest to take and early lead. Messiah kept the pressure on Albright, but the Lion defense was up to the task, keeping Messiah off the scoreboard the rest of the half. The host Falcons scored their second goal seven minutes into the second half when Kai Kaseguran scored on a penalty kick to give Messiah a two goal lead. Albright pushed forward, trying to get back into the game, but the Lions could not solve the Falcon defense. Maarten Kootstra had a solid scoring chance off a free kick, but Messiah keeper Nick Blossey was able to make the save and maintain the 2-0 Falcon lead.

With under three minutes remaining in the game Messiah took advantage of Albright's desperation, scoring the third goal of the night to hold a 3-0 lead. Messiah tacked on one more goal in the 89th minute for the 4-0 final score.

Junior goalkeeper Wendell Hannaford faced 28 shots in the match and recorded seven saves. Albright was held to just four shots in the contest. The Lions will now await word on a possible ECAC tournament bid.