Photo courtesy of Scottish FA
He wasn’t able to enjoy the Chicago Fire’s inaugural victory of the 2015 campaign in person, but midfielder Shaun Maloney had his own reasons to celebrate on Sunday.
Maloney netted two goals, both from the penalty spot, in the Scottish National Team’s convincing 6-1 victory over Group D opponent Gibraltar in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Sunday in Glasgow, Scotland.
WATCH: Match Highlights
The result puts Scotland on 10 points after five Group D games, their best start to a qualification campaign since 2007.
Just past the quarter-hour mark of the match, Maloney latched onto a pass from Matt Ritchie in the penalty area before being brought down by Gibraltar goalkeeper Jamie Robba. Maloney stepped up and converted the ensuing penalty kick to give his side a 1-0 lead -- an advantage that was canceled out only moments later by a Lee Cascario tally for Gibraltar.
After Scotland’s Steven Fletcher restored a one-goal lead for the hosts in the 29th minute, Maloney again was called on to convert a penalty after Everton’s Steven Naismith was toppled in the 18-yard box. Maloney again went to his left with the shot, and the diving keeper was left with no chance for the save.
With the performance, Maloney, who also featured in Scotland’s 1-0 friendly victory over Northern Ireland on Wednesday, increased his career totals to 39 caps and six goals scored for his native Scotland.
Maloney is due to return to his Chicago Fire club duties in short order and will be available when the Men In Red host Toronto FC at 2 p.m. CT Saturday at Toyota Park. Tickets for the match are available by clicking here.
