The Malone University men's soccer team posted its second victory in as many games so far in the early going of the 2011 season in a decisive 3-0 home win over Shawnee State University on Monday afternoon. Coupled with Saturday's 4-1 win at NCAA Div. II Lake Erie College, the Pioneers' 2-0 start this fall marks the first time in 15 years since the program has started a season at 2-0. The 1996 Malone squad, the last to do so, started its year with a 7-0 mark.

Malone took an early lead against Shawnee State just 13 minutes into the game and followed that goal up with another one 18 minutes later. The 2-0 Pioneer lead at intermission bulged to 3-0 just four minutes into the second half and it proved to be the final goal in the Malone shutout win.

Midfielder Felipe Delgado punched in the Pioneers' first goal of the day off a cross from forward/midfielder Kelvin Aquino early in the first half before Bryan Smith earned an unassisted goal later in the half by beating a defender and drilling his goal just inside the far post. Delgado then closed out the Pioneer scoring early in the second half by pocketing his second goal on the day, an unassisted goal to the far post from just inside the box.

Malone held a 16-11 advantage in total shots and an 8-4 edge in corner kicks. Pioneer goalkeeper Felipe Monteiro, in 65 minutes of play prior to being relieved by Tim Giesel, collected the four Malone saves on the day.   Shawnee State keeper Kevin Fischer posted five saves while backup goalie Zachary Miller had one save in the contest.

While Malone has now started the season at 2-0, Shawnee State fell to 1-1 after winning its opening game of the 2011 season at Bluefield (VA) College by the score of 5-3.