The Messiah women's soccer team appears ready to win a fifth national title.
The Falcons dominated in their ninth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division III Final Four, posting a 3-0 win over semifinal challenger Misericordia at Blossom Soccer Stadium in San Antonio, Tex.
Messiah College's Rachel Scheibeler scored the first goal in the Falcons' 3-0 victory over Misericordia in Friday's NCAA Division III Women's Soccer semifinals, held at Blossom Soccer Stadium in San Antonio, Tex.
The Falcons (23-1-1), who got second-half goals from Rachel Scheibeler, Nikki Elsaesser and Elizabeth Phillips, move on to Saturday’s title game against Emory. Messiah will be playing for its fifth national title.
The Falcons couldn’t capitalize on a few opportunities in the first half, but it didn’t seem to matter. Messiah was in control from beginning to end, outshooting the Cougars 23-2, including 12-0 on shots on goal. The Falcons also held a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.
“I thought our backs were particularly good, they didn’t give up any good looks,” Messiah coach Scott Frey said. “I thought (Misericordia) got a little tired and our depth showed. It was a good effort across the board.”
The Falcons broke the game open with goals in the 54th and 56th minutes from Scheibeler and Elsaesser, respectively. Phillips, a Cumberland Valley graduate, put the game on ice with a goal in the 83rd minute.
Now the Falcons face Emory, a team that defeated Messiah 2-1 on Sept. 1.
“We know they’re a very good team, the girls are very excited,” Frey said. “We’re not only playing for a national title, but we also get to play a team that was better than us in a game this season. We’re excited about both opportunities.”