XML Box Score Grantham, PA - For the second-straight night Messiah men's soccer hosted a team with whom they had a murky past and,
for the second-straight night, they walked victorious.
This time it was Neumann University facing off with the Falcons, a team that ousted then-No. 1 Messiah from the 2011 NCAA Championships in the Second Round by a 1-0 score in overtime. On this night, Messiah was again No. 1 but the result was much different as
Mike Kovach scored in each half to lead the Falcons to a 2-0 win.
Kovach's first score game in just the 7th minute with
Jack Thompson getting the assist for his strong serve from the left side. With the defense closing hard to goal line the ball crossed to the middle of the box where Kovach lifted his left foot for the redirection into the net.
The score was his first of the season and came on the team's first shot of the game.
The Falcons went on to outshoot the Knights 9-0 in the second-half, though just two shots other than Kovach's went on frame.
In the second-half Messiah continued to dominate the field and, despite the Knight's compacted midfield and back line, launched another 16 shots. Keeper Dan Jones collected four saves in the final period, but could not react quick enough to stop Kovach's second goal from getting through.
In the 51st minute with the rain falling Kovach took possession 25 yards out in the midfield and found space as he faced the goal. After touching forward he sent an incredible shot to the right side of the net, stunning the Neumann defense and, quite possibly, some of his own teammates.
Messiah found plenty of other opportunities to increase their lead, but Jones made a few impressive saves to keep it a 2-0 game. Nevertheless the Knights' couldn't break through the Falcons' defense and managed just one shot.
Brandon West went untested in goal for Messiah.
The win pushed Messiah to 4-0. Neumann fell to 0-4 with the loss.
Messiah next plays on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Gettysburg College at 7:00 p.m.
