SCRANTON, PA -- The University of Scranton men's soccer team gave No. 18 Messiah all it could handle on Friday night at Weiss Field, but an early first half goal proved the difference in a 1-0 loss.

Junior goalkeeper Charlie Smith (Devon, Pa. / Conestoga) had a strong game in net for the Royals with three saves in the season opener. Senior forward Ciaran Corr (Newtown Square, Pa. / Marple Newtown) led Scranton with three shots on the night. 

The Falcons scored the lone goal of the game in the fourth minute of action as Davis Pagett scored off an assist from Patrick Lee. 

Junior Nick Suraci (Glenwood Landing, N.Y. / North Shore) had the first shot of the night for Scranton but missed high. Smith made a clutch diving save in the 14th minute to keep the Falcons from adding a second goal. 

Sophomore Matt Capretto (Hockessin, Del. / Charter School of Wilmington) forced a save out of Messiah's goalkeeper Adam Carter in the 51st minute of play. The Royals continued to press the action as junior Owen Barlow (Chesterfield, N.J. / Notre Dame) got off a shot in the 53rd minute but missed high. 

Smith made an impressive breakaway save later in the second half to keep the Royals within one goal. Scranton out shot Messiah 5-4 in the second half and were the more aggressive side, but were unable to equalize as Messiah went on to win 1-0. 

Head coach Andy Loughnane's team will look to bounce back on Sunday afternoon against Muhlenberg at Weiss Field. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 PM.