As a central defender, Ryan Malone might not be expected to attempt injury time penalty kicks with the game on the line for FC Hansa Rostock.
But Malone had plenty of experience scoring goals while growing up as a striker in Chicopee, Mass., then becoming Springfield College’s leading scorer, before changing positions.
"I love scoring goals, it’s a lot more fun being a striker and scoring goals," Malone said. "But it is definitely rewarding to be on a team that is winning and making that last push to make a defensive play that saves the game. You are not 100 percent in the spotlight, but I enjoy playing center back.