Photo by Daryl Quentin

(NORTH CANTON, Ohio) – Three goals in the opening third of the game was too much for Walsh to overcome as it fell to rival Malone 3-1 Monday evening at Milazzo Field. The Cavaliers are now even on the season at 2-2. It was the first win of the season for the Pioneers who now stand at 1-2. It was the GLIAC opener for both squads.

The first score of the game came off a well-placed corner kick by Robert Nemes on the right side. On the other end of the pass was Nick Astalos who headed the ball in at 14:38 for the 1-0 lead. Astalos also scored the second goal just over three minutes later on a pass from Sam Tonelli in the middle of the field. Astalos was left open on the left side of the box and crossed the kick in to the right side of the net.

The third goal was almost a mirror image of the second as Jordan Lopresti made the kick from the left corner of the box after Matt Piccioni split the defense with a pass near midfield.

The Cavaliers weren't without their chances however. One goal was disallowed after an offsides call was made. Other shots were on target, but Malone's keeper Jon Crabs made some acrobatic plays to keep the ball out.

Walsh eventually got on the board just before the half as Bailey Moody (Fr., Middleburg Heights, Ohio/Midpark) scored his second goal of the season after Jordan Prescod (Fr., Mississauga, Ontario/St. Marcellinus) took a free kick. The Cavaliers were fouled less than a minute before the half, and Prescod went fast on the free kick on the right side after he found Moody open on the opposite end of the box.

The Cavs now hit the road again for three consecutive games. First up is a weekend trip to Michigan. Walsh will do battle with Northwood first in a rare men's and women's doubleheader. The men are scheduled to kick-off at 4:30 p.m.