GRANTHAM, Pa. – The University of Scranton women’s soccer team faced a tall task on Saturday night, taking on the nation’s top-ranked team and two-time defending national champion Messiah College. The Royals packed in the defense, but could not slow the Falcons in a 2-0 loss at Shoemaker Field.

Messiah (2-0) scored in the ninth minute on a goal by sophomore forward Nikki Elsaesser (Old Bridge, N.J./Timothy Christian) and added the insurance goal in the 79th minute when Elsaesser scored again, her third goal in two games.

Senior goalkeeper Kelsy McAnelly (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) finished with four saves for Scranton (0-2).

Messiah has won five national titles, including four of the past five. The only blemish in that five-year span was a loss in the 2010 final to Hardin-Simmons. The Falcons opened this season as the no. 1 team in the preseason top 25 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Scranton will return to action next weekend for the Joe Bochicchio Classic at Fitzpatrick Field. The Royals will host Lebanon Valley on Saturday at 1 p.m. and York (Pa.) on Sunday at 1 p.m.

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