WELS, Austria (Interstat) — Sebastian Malinowski and Albin Gashi each scored a goal as Wels defeated Sturm Graz 2-0 on Friday at HUBER Arena in the 2. Liga season opener.

Malinowski, a midfielder, put Wels ahead in the 27th minute. Gashi, also a midfielder, doubled the lead just before halftime in the 45th minute.

Defender Luca Tischler recorded an assist, while substitutes Jonas Petritsch, Thomas Gurmann and Barne Pernot each contributed one assist. Defender Paul Gobara also had an assist.

The match featured five yellow cards. Gobara was booked in the 15th minute, Gurmann in the 29th, Petritsch in the 41st, Pernot in the 58th and Tischler in the 68th.

Wels improved to 1-0 in league play and across all competitions. Sturm Graz fell to 0-1 in the 2. Liga and overall.

The result marked a strong start for Wels in the Austrian second division. Sturm Graz will look to rebound in its next match.