MIDLAND, Mich. – A 1-0 triumph was the result from the Malone University men's soccer team in their match on Thursday afternoon against Northwood University. The Pioneers collected their first Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) win of the season and are 4-5-2 overall (1-5-2 G-MAC). The Timberwolves fall to 2-8-1 this season and 2-6-0 in the conference.
 
Just as the women's team did in their most recent match, there was a new face in net for the Pioneers. Sophomore Griffin Owen (1-0-0) made his first start of the year for the team.
 
After facing one shot early, Malone was able to give him the lead thanks to a score by junior Christian Piccolotto. Sophomore Nate Werthmuller played the ball ahead to Piccolotto on the run in the 25th minute and he was able to finish by chipping the ball over the opposing goalkeeper's head to make it 1-0.
 
Owen made a pair of saves in the 30th and 32nd minutes of play in the first half, but the scoreboard remained the same through the end of the first half.
 
Early opportunities by junior Mason Gradel, junior Dylan DiPiero, Werthmuller and junior Fraeday Moo looked to extend the lead for the Pioneers, but a change in goal for Northwood was effective in limiting the attack by the Pioneers.
 
The defense for the Timberwolves was really put to the test in minutes 68-75 when Malone rattled off six attempts, but could not convert. Northwood made one final charge, but the shutout continued for the Pioneer defense to nab the victory.
 
Piccolotto (5) and Werthmuller (4) led the team in shot attempts as the team won that battle 16-13. Owen made six saves in his 90 minutes of play along with lead defender sophomore Elijah Caparello-Wanless. Junior Anthony Birus recorded 90 minutes played as well.
 
Malone returns home on Saturday, October 19 for the first of two meetings against crosstown rivals Walsh University. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. with a women's match following at 4:00 P.M.