The fall sports season has gotten underway. The scene from the stands is a little different with fewer fans and everyone wearing a mask, but the action on the field remains the same.

The Mathews Mustangs opened their soccer season on Tuesday when they visited Lordstown. Mathews prevailed, 4-0.

Mustang senior captain Dallas Runner connected on the team’s third goal, giving Mathews a 3-0 halftime lead.

“It’s great to be back playing,” Runner said. “We’re just glad we had a season to come back to. We played really well. We finished. We can be sharper. We’re looking forward to our next game.”

Freshman Ty Grimes put Mathews up 1-0 after 18 minutes of scoreless play. Sophomore Aiden Laney added a second goal and the Mustangs were on their way.

“We’re thankful to actually be able to have a season,” Mathews coach George Callow said. “Our entire school has done a fabulous job helping all of our fall sports get set up.”

Solid defense from both teams kept the score 3-0 for most of the second half.

“It’s fun to give effort and heart into sports,” Lordstown senior Vince Spano said.

Spano also plays baseball for the Red Devils and decided to try soccer for the first time this year.

“It was a bummer not having the baseball season last year,” Spano said. “It’s nice to step out of your comfort zone, with your friends, instead of just staying inside all day.”

Mustang senior forward Dom Greenwood drilled one in from close range, with just over 10 minutes left to play, making it 4-0. Tommy Kuhn had eight saves for Mathews.

“We know we’re not a physically large team,” Callow said. “We want the kids to play a little bit bigger than their physical size, be quick to the ball, and be mentally prepared. It was the first game. After Dallas scored, we kind of settled down. We did well.”

Callow also had some kind words for Lordstown coach Tim Malone.

“Tim Malone has been a very positive coach for the Youngstown District Coaches Association during his 25-plus years,” Callow said. “He’s also been a very positive influence on me since I came into the coaching ranks. I’ve always considered Tim Malone my mentor.”

This was the second game for Lordstown this season. The Red Devils lost their opener 4-0 to Maplewood and unfortunately lost two key players to injury in the process. Leading scorer, senior Jay Frank, suffered a knee injury and is likely out for the season, and Brent Campbell hurt his back. Both players were carted off the field.

“Jay has heart like nobody else has,” Malone said. “I’m optimistic he can come back, but safety is the most important thing. Brent is my defensive leader. We’ve been plagued by injuries and it’s hampering us a little bit right now. Mathews is greatly improved.

“I’m also coaching baseball this year. Vince and the rest of the team were so disappointed the season was canceled last year. We got him to come out for soccer this year and he’s one the hardest working kids we’ve seen.”