Eastern University Women's Soccer had their winning streak stopped at three with a 2-0 loss at #4 Messiah College. Messiah scored both of the game's goals in three minute stretch midway through the second half.
The Eagles spent much of the first half in their defensive end, but were able to keep the Falcons from mounting a serious challenge to their goal. Messiah released eleven first half shots, but Amanda Daveler had to make three relatively easy saves to keep the sheet clean at the break.
When the Eagles did escape their defensive end, first year forward Tess Beckwith was active and dangerous behind the back line, but her older sister Brindley, who starts in goal for the Falcons, turned away one shot and came off her line well to stymie several other chances.
The game turned late in the 66th minute of the match when Messiah converted a throw in deep in their attacking end into the game-winner. Amy Horst met a skimmed ball off a Rachel Horning flip throw and slammed it into the underside of the crossbar for a 1-0 lead. Three minutes later, Messiah senior Kacie Klynstra doubled the Falcon advantage with a strong shot to the lower corner from the edge of the penalty box.
Eastern made several forays into the Messiah end through the second half, but the Messiah defense held fast, and several Eastern crosses missed their marks and shots slid wide. The elder Beckwith stuffed another shot from her younger sister and made a nice play to cut away a cross from inside the box.
Coach Mouw said of his team's efforts on the day, "We defended with good commitment through the field, and I felt we were able to created some chances in transition. It goes without saying that when you play away games against top teams you are going to have to be nearly flawless. They were able to break us down and take advantage for a pair of good goals. This game will help us as we enter the heart of our league schedule."
Eastern returns to action on Saturday at home against Willkes University. That game is scheduled for noon.
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