Box Score

From the season's outset, Malone University men's soccer head coach Brian Stock has made it clear that one of his team's primary goals was to finish the season with at least a .500 record so they can compete in the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA) Postseason. Junior Josh Abend's first half tally on Friday afternoon moved the Pioneers one step closer to that goal as Malone registered a 1-0 home victory over NCAA Division II No. 23 Notre Dame College.

Abend was the recipient of a beautiful pass from senior Adam Sharpnack, who was celebrating senior day at Pioneer field with fellow classmates Sam Erchick, Allen Meffan, James Markino and Jake Zimmerly. Abend arrived to the ball moments before an over aggressive Notre Dame keeper and lobbed the ball over his head and into the open goal.

Notre Dame (10-4, 7-4 GLIAC) pressed heavily in the second half searching for the tying goal but stellar performances from junior goalkeeper Felipe Monteiro and freshman center back Christian Schmikla made sure they would not find it. Notre Dame outshot Malone 25-4 but Monteiro made 12 saves to keep the Falcons off the scoresheet.

The win marked the first time that the Malone men's soccer team has knocked off a nationally ranked Division II opponent since embarking on the transition process to NCAA membership. It also marked the first time Notre Dame College had been shut out in a game in 96 contests, a string dating back to September 12, 2008.

Malone (5-6-1, 5-4-1 GLIAC) can punch its ticket to the NCCAA East Region Tournament by winning two of its last three regular-season contests. The Pioneers next play at Walsh University on Sunday in a pivotal conference matchup. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m.