CANTON, Ohio – The Malone University men's soccer program advanced to 3-1-1 on the season with a 1-0 non-conference victory over California University of Pennsylvania. The loss drops the Vulcans to 2-3-1 in 2024.
 
The Pioneers were attacking the net from the opening whistle with six shots in the first 12 minutes. Christian Piccolotto forced the opposing keeper to make two saves in that span, and Gavin Csiszar narrowly missed left on his opportunity.
 
The remainder of the period was fairly calm, with a few opportunities for both sides. California had a few crosses inside, but could not develop a shot attempt in the first half. At the break, Malone held an 8-0 advantage on shot attempts.
 
Corner kicks for the Pioneers early in the second half set up opportunities, but once again they just missed out on taking the lead. Finally, the chance came in the 68th minute when Csiszar received a penalty kick. The senior was able to find the back of the net and give the team a one-goal lead late in the match.
 
The Vulcans answered that score with slight pressure of their own, but the defense of Gavyn Ernst (3-1-1), Luke Miller, Fraeday Moo and Elijah Caparello-Wanless were able to preserve the shutout. Ernst made one save in net and the team allowed zero corner kicks.
 
"As a team, we are bought in to our culture," Csiszar mentioned postgame. "We are a team that continues to push and we have tremendous trust in our backline."
 
The Pioneers dominated possession of the ball (57%) and outshot their opponents 17-2 in total. Five shots were on-goal. "We've been talking as a team about having a game with 90 minutes of intensity, and we did that today," Head Coach Bill Lawrence stated. "We did not give up many chances on goal. I loved the intensity our guys carried throughout the match."
 
Up next, Malone returns to Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) competition when they travel to Kentucky Wesleyan College on Saturday, September 28. The match kicks off at 3:00 P.M. CST.