CANTON, Ohio - The Malone University men's soccer team dropped the 2026 home opener against non-conference Salem University 4-1 on a warm Thursday evening. The Pioneers start the year 0-1-0 and the Tigers open the season 1-0-0.
The Tigers scored the opening goal at 9:19, to take an early lead. After the goal, juniorÂ
James Bolton and freshmanÂ
Julius Eckmann combined for three shots on goal in 18 seconds of action for the Pioneers. Salem found the back of the net again to extend the lead to 2-0 at the 18 minute mark in the first half. The Pioneers pulled within a goal after an own goal by Salem made it 2-1. Salem found the net again to end the first half, made it 3-1. The Tigers outshot the Pioneers in the first half 10-1.Â
After a goal to begin the second half for the Tigers, the Malone defense held Salem scoreless for the remainder of the contest. Junior
 Dionysios Tsirambidis at the 49:17 minute mark put pressure on the defense with a shot on goal for Malone. Salem outshot Malone in the contest 16-9. Malone's seniorÂ
Sam Cipriano (0-1-0) and sophomoreÂ
Roman Sigafoos combined for five saves. Cipriano had three saves and Sigafoos had two saves in goal.Â
The Pioneers return to action for Senior Day at home at 1:00 PM against California University of Pennsylvania on Saturday, September 5.Â
