CEDARVILLE, Ohio - Tim Green's first career goal was the winner and Kevin Bender registered his 16th career shutout as host Cedarville began American Mideast Conference play with a 3-0 victory over Malone.

Green, a defender who has started all 66 matches he has ever played, headed in a free kick from James Twinem in the 15th minute for the first goal of his All-America career. It provided the Yellow Jackets a 1-0 edge at the break.

Sophomore defender Steve Ellis netted his first-ever goal in the 48th minute. He cleaned up a rebound off the crossbar by Ryan Connelly.

Matt Niemiec failed to score a goal in a match for the first time this fall, but he extended his point streak to nine contests in a row when his pass was headed home by Eric Newman in the 60th minute. It was his fourth tally of the season.

Cedarville, 7-2 overall, finally got its first shutout of the year. The Yellow Jackets have won five straight.

Bender made five saves and his 16 career shutouts are just one shy of the all-time record of 17 set by Matt Reid from 1999 through 2002.

STATS  ♦  PHOTO GALLERY