The Malone University men's soccer team fell to Ohio Valley University in a 2-0 contest Thursday afternoon at Canton Central Catholic High School.

The Fighting Scots, ranked No. 6 in the most recent NCAA Division II National Poll, posted their ninth shutout of the season and continue to stay in first place in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.  

OVU's Juan Hoyos scored his G-MAC leading 10th goal of the season with the help of Alexandre Horveno and Luis Nieto in the 11th minute of the contest.  Despite the early score, the Pioneers kept the deficit at one until the 80th minute when Horveno scored a goal of his own with the help of Nicolas Rodriguez.  

Ohio Valley improved to 12-3-0 overall and 8-2-0 in the G-MAC.  Malone, meanwhile, slipped to 4-9-1 and 4-7-1 in conference play.

Gino Finelli, Nick Fry, Jake Martell and Simon Eybert were each credited with shot attempts in the match.  

The Pioneers steadfast defense held the Fighting Scots below their season average of nearly three goals per match and maintained their season streak of not allowing more than three goals in a match.

Following Thursday's contest, the Pioneers slipped to the eighth seat in the G-MAC playoff race with Lake Erie College jumping ahead into the seventh spot with their 2-0 win over Trevecca Nazarene University.  However, Malone is still in contention for one of the six G-MAC postseason spots, with key conference match-ups remaining against Lake Erie and rival Walsh University.

Up Next:
Malone will be at home next week to host Lake Erie on Senior Day Thursday evening.  This should be a great game with both teams fighting to make the playoffs.