PAINESVILLE, Ohio – The Lake Erie College men's soccer team earned a 2-1 victory over Malone University on Thursday, October 8, behind a two-goal performance from Nicolas Vagujhelyi. The win improved the Storm's record to 6-4-3 overall and 5-2-2 in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play.
Lake Erie came out strong offensively, creating several early scoring opportunities. William Hjelte recorded the Storm's first shot on goal in the eighth minute, forcing a save from Malone goalkeeper Roman Sigafoos. The Storm continued to apply pressure before breaking through in the 19th minute.
Vagujhelyi opened the scoring at the 18:08 mark after receiving a pass from Veljko Radovanovic near the top of the box. He finished the opportunity into the lower-left corner to give Lake Erie an early 1-0 advantage. The goal marked his second of the season.
The Storm maintained their lead for much of the opening half, with Zackary McAllister-Wilson adding another shot on goal in the 35th minute. However, Malone found the equalizer just before halftime. With 30 seconds remaining in the period, Ryan Kibler chipped a shot over Lake Erie goalkeeper Patrick Bassett, sending both teams into the break tied at 1-1.
Lake Erie regained control of the match in the second half, increasing its offensive pressure and generating several scoring chances. The Storm recorded three corner kicks in the opening 14 minutes of the period, while Luka Bekovic and McAllister-Wilson each contributed header attempts.
The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Vagujhelyi found the back of the net for the second time, scoring the eventual game-winner at the 63:47 mark. His third goal of the season restored Lake Erie's lead at 2-1.
The Storm continued to push offensively following the go-ahead goal. Hjelte forced another save from Sigafoos in the 69th minute, while Alex Banjac nearly extended the advantage in the 84th minute with a shot that struck the post.
Lake Erie's defense held firm throughout the second half, preventing Malone from recording a single shot over the final 45 minutes and securing the conference victory.
The Storm finished with a 10-4 advantage in total shots, including a 5-1 edge in shots on goal. Lake Erie also earned four corner kicks compared to Malone's three. Hjelte, Bekovic, McAllister-Wilson, and Vagujhelyi each recorded two shots to lead the Storm's offensive effort.
Bassett played all 90 minutes in goal for Lake Erie, while Vagujhelyi led the attack with his first two-goal performance of the season. Radovanovic contributed an assist on the opening goal.
With the victory, Lake Erie strengthened its conference record as the Storm continued their push through the G-MAC schedule. The boys are back in action on Saturday Oct. 10 as they take on the Ashland Eagles at home.
