Dalton State would get off to a slow start, but the offense would show out and end with a flurry of goals in a 5-1 win over Middle Georgia State at Knight Field in Cochran on Thursday night.
Middle Georgia would be the aggressor early in the match with two shots within the first minute of the contest. Dalton State would get their chance next, but two good looks by Frank Herrera and Sebastian Guzman would be saved by Knight goalkeeper Tyler Brands. Middle Georgia would be the first to light up the scoreboard when John Crawley found the back of the net in the 17' for the 1-0 lead.
The score would remain in the Knights favor for the next 12 minutes until Tyler Hudson knocked a ball home in the 29' to equal the score at 1-1.
Junior Daniel Valenciano would get in on the action in the 35' with a goal to give the Roadrunners the lead at 2-1. Dalton State would get three more shots off in the final 10 minutes of the half, but could not increase the lead. The Birds would carry a 2-1 lead into the halftime break.
The second period of play would be dominated by the Roadrunners. Sebastian Guzman would nail a ball on goal that got past Brands just four minutes into the half to give Dalton State a 3-1 lead. The Roadrunners would keep up the aggressive play getting eight more shots on goal before Valenciano got his second goal of the night in the 66' to increase the lead to 4-1.
Guzman would end the night with his second goal in the 73' to push the score to 5-1. Frustration would set in for the Knights, but the Dalton State defense would take control in the final 17 minutes and hold on for the 5-1 win.
Dalton State improves to (6-7-1 overall, 2-3 SSAC) with the win, while Middle Georgia State falls to (1-12-1 overall, 0-6 SSAC) with the loss. The player of the night would be Daniel Valenciano. The junior from Heredia, Costa Rica would notch two goals and three assist, making himself accountable in some part for all five Roadrunner goals.
Sebastian Guzman added two goals and now has three in as many games as of late. Samuel Fraire was once again solid in goal recording seven saves, while Tyler Hudson netted the first goal of the night.
Dalton State will conclude the home season at Lakeshore Park Soccer Complex on Saturday, October 20 when they take on Brewton-Parker (Ga.). Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Senior Night presentations will take place after the women's match and before the men's match.