GRANTHAM, Pa. – The York College men's soccer team took one on the chin Tuesday evening as #10 Messiah bested the Green and White 2-0 at Shoemaker Field. The loss snaps the Spartans' five-match winning streak and drops their record to 9-4 on the season. For the home squad, the Falcons pick up their ninth straight triumph and move to 9-1.

In their traditional style of play, the Falcons pushed the pace early as the Spartans were pressured all over the pitch. York, accustomed to the pressure from seasons past, dealt with the quick pace during the opening minutes of play.

That changed however, when Trevor Lee collected the ball on the right side of the pitch, deep in Spartan territory. Lee's quick step-over allowed him to get to the end line where he served a dangerous cross into the box. Sheldon Myer proved able to get on the end of that service, striking it low and finding the back of the York net. Myer's tally in the 37^th minute, his second of the season, would go on to be the game-winner.

After the halftime break, the Spartans came back to the pitch a more inspired bunch looking to level the score at 1-1.

Stringing together several quality combinations, the Spartans looked as if they had picked up the pace and were primed to notch the tying goal.

Unfortunately, the Falcons proved just one step quicker than the Green and White. On several occasions, a stepping Messiah defender was able to cut off one of York's final passes, effectively thwarting the Spartan chance.

The home squad stretched their lead to 2-0 in the 75^th minute on a tremendous goal from Sam Woodworth. From the top of the 18-yard box, Woodworth hammered home a full volley strike into the left side of York's net – marking his first goal of the season.

That would prove all the scoring, as the Green and White simply were unable on this night to solve the puzzle that was the Falcons' defense.

For the contest, Messiah outshot the Spartans' 18-10 and held an 8-6 advantage in corners.

Jake Berry secures the clean sheet victory for the home side as the sophomore goalkeeper made three saves, including a nice tip save over the crossbar late in the match. Jesse Derksen, who played well despite the final result, suffers the loss in the Spartan goal as he too made three stops.

Tonight's defeat marks the first time in five seasons that the Spartan squad fell victim to the Falcons. Prior to this evening's contest, York had sported a 3-0-1 record over the previous four campaigns against the perennial national power.

Additionally, the Spartans' fourth loss on the season marks the first time since the 2004 campaign that the Green and White have lost four regular season contests.

York will now look to get back into the win column on Saturday, October 9. The Green and White play host to Capital Athletic Conference foe Marymount in a 2:00 pm match at Graham Field.

GAME BOX

Cody Pearson photo courtesy of Zach Clabaugh - www.sharpedgefoto.com