Men's Soccer
#1 Messiah 5, Lebanon Valley 0

Box Score

Photo Gallery

ANNVILLE, Pa. – Top ranked Messiah exploded for five second half goals to claim the victory over Lebanon Valley College men's soccer Wednesday afternoon. Goalkeeper James Clements tied his career-high with 11 saves against the Falcons. 

Lebanon Valley (8-7-1, 2-3-1 CC) faces a win-and-in scenario on Saturday for the fourth and final Commonwealth Conference playoff berth; a win over Widener would clinch the spot for LVC. A tie or loss wouldn't automatically eliminate the Dutchmen, but they would need help from the Alvernia-Arcadia game (see tiebreaks below).

Despite holding a 16-4 shot advantage in the first half, Messiah was held scoreless. Clements proved to be the difference, making eight of his 11 saves. In one sequence, Clements made three straight saves to keep the Falcons off the scoresheet.

Messiah broke the scoreless tie at 49:23 with an unassisted goal from Nick Thompson. Two straight goals from Geoff Pezon put the game out of reach. Also tallying goals for the Falcons were Drew Frey and Josh Kremers.

LVC notched three shots to Messiah's 15 in the second half. The Falcons held the advantage in corner kicks with six total in the game, while the Dutchmen were held without one.

Andrew Cooper led Lebanon Valley with three shots in the game.
Clements played 74:59 and Josh Lineaweaver played the remainder, allowing one goal and making two saves. Jake Berry played the complete game for Messiah, stopping three shots.

The Dutchmen conclude the regular season on Saturday when they host Widener at 3 p.m.

LVC's Commonwealth Conference Playoff Scenarios

Based on Saturday's games...
If LVC beats Widener - LVC is in
If LVC ties Widener, and Alvernia loses or ties Arcadia - LVC is in
If LVC loses to Widener, and Alvernia wins or ties Arcadia - Alvernia is in
If LVC loses to Widener, and Alvernia loses to Arcadia, and Albright beats Lycoming - LVC is in via tiebreak