The Malone University men's soccer team is hosting crosstown rival Walsh University on Wednesday, September 18 at 4 pm. It will be the second Great Midwest Athletic Conference game for the Pioneers and the G-MAC opener for the Cavaliers.
 
"We are focused on how we are going to come out and play," senior Jeff Kreinbrook commented. "We want to take three points at home. Staying focused will be key for us and we need to compete and execute, and we will get the win."
 
Follow Along:
Malone vs Walsh
Wednesday, September 18 at 4pm
Video & Live Stats: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/malone/
 
Series History:
Malone is 19-43-2 vs the Walsh Cavaliers all-time. Last season, the Pioneers swept Walsh, winning at home 1-0 and taking the road game 2-1 in overtime.
 
Malone Team Notes: Schedule | Roster | Statistics
Record: 1-1-1 (0-1-0)
 
The Pioneers will have seen a long lay-off since last playing a game Tuesday, September 10 against Lake Erie. Malone was scheduled to play California (PA) on Saturday, but the game was cancelled. The extra time should give the Pioneers an opportunity to rest and heal up from some nagging injuries.
 
In last season's game against the Cavaliers, Malone won 1-0 off a goal in the 75th minute. Evan Dekker put a free kick into the box and Gino Finelli rose above the crowd to head the ball into the net and secure the victory.
 
Walsh would be haunted by the same type of play in overtime in the second meeting between the teams. One minute into the overtime period, Dekker took a free kick from beyond midfield and put it in the box for Finelli to get a head on it again and sink the Cavaliers.
 
Malone looks to have repeated success against Walsh this season.
 
Walsh Team Notes: Schedule | Roster | Statistics
Record: 4-0-0 (0-0-0)
 
Walsh is off to their best start for men's soccer Division II history, winning their first four games. The Cavaliers traveled to upstate New York as playing partners with the Pioneers to play Daemen and Roberts Wesleyan. They defeated both East Coast Conference teams in overtime.
 
Walsh also won non-conference games against Ashland and Slippery Rock.
 
As a team, the Cavaliers have taken 63 shots in four games, leading to 10 goals.
 
Dwight Van Dyke is leading the charge offensively, scoring six goals in the young season. He was also named the G-MAC Offensive Player of the Week. Freshman Peyton Barnes has a goal and has started all 4 games. Nathan Kett, Corbin James-Barrett, Nathan Kolke and Hadi Undheim have anchored the defense.