Grantham, Pa. (Nov. 5, 2024) - #1 Messiah University (13-5-1) scored two goals in each half to defeat #4 Alvernia University (10-8-3), 4-0, on Tuesday night in the MAC Commonwealth Men's Soccer semifinal at Messiah University.

With the win for the Falcons, Messiah advances to the MAC Commonwealth Championship on Saturday and will face #2 York. 

How it Happened

• Messiah controlled the ball early and had three shot attempts in 20 seconds during the fifth minute. But, two shots were blocked and the other went wide right to keep the Falcons off the board. 
• Alvernia had two attempts - one from Zeke Zambrano and another from Connor Kraycik - blocked in the opening 11 minutes.
• Messiah broke through on a goal from Davis Pagett in the 14th minute after Pagett drew out Evan Solley and fired a shot past him to give Messiah the 1-0 lead.
• The Falcons made it a 2-0 game in the 35th minute on an own goal by Alvernia.
• Alvernia finished the first half with six shots, two of which were on goal, as Messiah took the 2-0 lead into the half.
• The Golden Wolves had the first solid opportunity of the second half  in the 58th minute on a free kick from Ryan Cogill, but his attempt skimmed the top of the goal. 
• Just over a minute later, Messiah made it a 3-0 game on Pagett's second goal of the night. Ten minutes later, Messiah Messiah made it a 4-0 game on a goal from Grant Shreiner just inside the right post off a left side shot.
• Alvernia had a few opportunities in the final ten minutes to avoid the shutout - including two shots on goal from Kraycik, but the Falcons held Alvernia off the board to take the 4-0 win and advance to the title game on Saturday. 

Inside the Box Score

• Connor Kraycik led Alvernia with three shots on goal, and Ryan Cogill led Alvernia with five shots overall.
• Evan Solley finished with four saves in net.

Up Next

• Messiah advances to the title game and will host #2 York, who defeated #3 Widener, 2-1, this evening.
• Alvernia awaits an ECAC bid, which will be announced early next week.