UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. -- On Monday, the Malone University men's soccer team traveled to Michigan to face off against the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals for another non-conference match. 

The Cardinals (2-0-0), who are the first team 'receiving votes' in the most recent United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Top-25 Poll, scored several first-half goals, and kept momentum flowing through the second half to close out the game with a 7-1 win against the Pioneers (0-3-0).

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
The Cardinals attacked fast, scoring four in the opening 19 minutes. Malone stepped up their defense and were able to get a couple shots off to shut out the Cardinals for the rest of the half.  

The Cardinals held a 4-0 advantage at the halftime break. 

Upon the closing of the 56th minute, Malone drew a foul in the opponents penalty box which turned into a yellow card for the Saginaw Valley Cardinals. This set up Malone's first goal of the game scored by Patrick Alvarez via penalty kick.

Saginaw Valley quickly answered back with goals in the 59th, 60th, and 61st, minute with the final score ending at 7-1 in favor of the Cardinals.

PIONEER POINTS

• Malone was outshot by Saginaw Valley 24-4, but the Pioneers came away with six saves in comparison to only one by Saginaw Valley. 
• Patrick Alvarez's goal in the 56th minute is his first of the 2021 season.  

WHAT'S NEXT?
Malone heads out on the road this upcoming Saturday (Sept. 11) against University of Wisconsin - Parkside with a start time of 1pm.