September 29, 2009 - Geneva College
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September 29, 2009

Picture of September 29, 2009

Grantham, PA - No coach likes to talk about morale victories, but nobody could blame Geneva men′s head soccer coach Todd Beall if he puts Tuesday night′s effort in that category as the Golden Tornadoes dropped a 3-0 decision to NCAA Division III defending champion and top ranked Messiah College. Geneva saw its four-game winning streak and shut-out streak snapped as it dropped to 6-3 on the season. Meanwhile, the Falcons improved to 8-0 and have now outscored its 2009 opponents by the count of 30-3.

The Golden Tornadoes had an excellent chance to take a first half lead when Kenton Burckhart′s 35-yard blast deflected off the cross bar in the 19th minute. Just four minutes later, Messiah drew first blood for the only goal of the first half. The scored remained a 1-0 advantage until the home standing Falcons added to its lead with 27 minutes remaining in regulation and then closed out the scoring with another tally on a breakaway chance with 17 minutes remaining in the contest.

Geneva′s Jake McCracken missed another golden opportunity when he fired a ball off the post early in the second half. Other than those two chances, Geneva watched the Falcons control possession and tempo for most of the night. Despite the loss, the Golden Tornadoes proved their ability to play on the big stage against the best Division III team in the country.

The Golden Tornadoes will look to put that confidence to use on Friday when they open the PAC schedule at Thomas More. Geneva returns to Merriman Athletic Complex next Wednesday to host Bethany College.

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College′s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).

Sep 29, 2009