GRANTHAM, PA. –– After 110 action-packed minutes of regulation and extra time, the Ephs eliminated the Messiah Falcons in the NCAA championships.
The #1 seed was never going to be an easy match-up for Ephs, but right out of the gate, the Ephs showed their intensity with a high-press and quick passing.
From the get-go, the referees allowed a high degree of aggression as both teams sought to advance to the next round of NCAAs. By halftime, there had been three total shots on target and 15 fouls –– indicating a ferocious midfield battle.
Most of the game was fought between the sides' midfield, as the Ephs employed a high press and passed out the back.
Even though the Ephs' shots were few and far between, they dominated the run of play, often unlocking the Falcon's midfield and floating dangerous crosses into the Messiah defense.
In the 23rd minute, Ben Diffley made a superb save, denying Ben Lefever a golden opportunity for Messiah.
Much like the first half, the last 45 minutes didn't provide much action between the two evenly-matched sides.
Like many games this season, Nick Boardman and Eamon Gara Grady were formidable in keeping the Ephs' backline organized and goalless.
Regulation ended in a tie, and both sides went into extra time at 0-0.
The Ephs played their best soccer during the first half of extra time, especially as midfielders Cole Morriello and Henry Osborn weren't shy to play forwards and release attackers into space.
But, like 2 of the Ephs' previous 3 games, the match went to penalty kicks to decide the winner.
Nick Boardman was the first to shoot, blasting his effort with the Messiah keeper powerless to stop it. Messiah made their first penalty, too.
Henry Osborn was the second penalty taker for the Ephs, though his effort was forcibly parried wide by Messiah keeper Jared Pavlovich. However, Diffely stepped up big time for the Ephs (a theme this season) and got down low to deny Grant Johnson's powerful effort in the bottom left corner.
After two kickers, the teams were even 1-1.
Next was Nathan Song, who sent Pavlovich the wrong way, calmly converting his shot. Messiah's third penalty was hit behind the outstretched Diffley to make it 2-2.
Tate Michelson had arguably the coolest penalty of the night, taking a short walk-up before smashing it by the keeper –– unstoppable. Messiah, too converted their penalty.
On the fifth penalty, the pressure was palpable. Jake Peters fizzed his effort past an outstretched Pavlovich. It wouldn't have mattered if the keeper went the right way.
Lastly, Luke Brautigam stepped up to the spot and shot his penalty to the right, into the path of Big Ben Diffley. Immediately after, the Ephs bench cleared to celebrate with Ben Diffley, the unquestionable man of the match, at the center of the celebrations.
After the match, Head Coach Steffen Siebert said, "Whatever I would say about the performance today after going into double overtime yesterday wouldn't do today justice! So proud of the guys for their dedication and couldn't be happier that it resulted in a ticket to the sweet 16!"
With their upset over #1 Messiah, the Ephs (7-1-11) will face Ohio Northern (13-3-5) next weekend at a date and place determined by the NCAA selection committee.
