CANTON, Ohio - The Malone University men's soccer team defeated the California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans 2-0 on Senior Day. The Pioneers improve to 1-1-0 on the season, while the Vulcans fall to 1-2-1.
Prior to the start of play, graduating student-athletes
Sam Cipriano,
Dominic Weltin and
Christopher Onye were honored for their efforts in a Malone uniform.
The first half was almost even as both teams were trading shot for shot.
James Bolton tried to put Malone on the board early in the tenth minute, but missed the top of the net. Neither the Pioneers or California were able to get on the board going into halftime. Both teams brought the physicality in the first half, as there were a total of 12 fouls called, six on each team.
The Vulcans brought the offensive pressure in the second half as they recorded 12 shots in the second period, but they were unsuccessful on their shots. The Pioneers came alive at the 83rd minute with a goal by
Felipe Albertim Matheis off of an assist by
Julius Eckmann for a 1-0 lead following a defensive breakdown by California. Just before the final horn, Eckmann put himself on the board with a goal assisted by
Alexander Castro Morales with four seconds left in the game to put it away completely. Malone came out of the match with a 2-0 victory over the Vulcans.
Albertim Matheis and Eckmann were key players for the Pioneers as they both recorded a goal each. Eckmann and Morales finished the night recording an assist each. Malone goalkeeper Cipriano finished the first half with one save before
Roman Sigafoos (1-0-0) stepped in for the second half with three saves in total.
Ryan Ziskowski, Camden Albertson, Charlie Noovao-Martin, and
Drew Kapsak stayed on the pitch for the full 90.
The Malone University men's soccer team will be back in action on Thursday, September 10, to take on the Thomas More University Saints for their first Great Midwest Athletic Conference match (G-MAC) of the season. Kickoff time is at 7:00 P.M.
