GRANTHAM, Pa.- Eastern University Women's Soccer continued to navigate a challenging early-season schedule with an evening match at No. 4 Messiah College (5-1-1). The host Falcons scored twice in the first half and held on for a 2-0 win.

With the game tonight, the Eagles have played six road games in seven outings and four contests against teams that competed in the 2011 NCAA Tournament.

Heavy storms in Pennsylvania yesterday pushed Messiah's men's game against Dickinson to today at 4:00 pm. While the women's game started on time and without a blemish, The action in the boxes in the preceding match had an impact on the game in the first four minutes. Alex Brant fired a low shot from 18 yards toward the left side of the goal. Alysia Goodman went to move for the ball and completely lost her left foot. Eastern's senior keeper got a hand to the powerful shot, but the ball crossed the line for a 1-0 Messiah lead.

"It's hard to say how that shot impacts things," Eastern Head Coach Dan Mouw stated, "We warmed up in the other box, and I don't know that Aly was aware of how muddy it was down at that end. Regardless, they had an All-American have a chance to take a swing from the top of the box. We can't say they didn't earn it."

Brant created the second Messiah tally as well. After beating a pair of Eastern defenders on the left side, Brant slid a ball into the scoring area for Emily Schneider who banged a twelve yard shot into the lower corner.

As the half progressed, the Eagles (2-4-1) began to gain more of the ball and worked into the Messiah end. The constant offensive pressure of the hosts forced the Eastern attacks to come from deep in their own end and limited the effectiveness of the first half forays.

The Falcons continued to push for a third goal in the second half, but the Eastern defense stood its ground in front of Goodman, and the Eagles were able to take steps toward evening the game.

"At halftime we talked about keeping them at two and sneaking one in," Mouw continued, " we did half of that. We had much better interplay between our midfield and forwards in the second half, but they were where they needed to be defensively and they put a ton of pressure on our team to defend. We are better for taking on the defending National Champions on their home field. These games show us what we can do better as we go forward in the year."

The Eagles stretch of tough games continues as Eastern will host Lebanon Valley College, yet another 2011 NCAA Tournament team, on Saturday on Olson Field.