Dalton State would strike first, but Thomas (Ga.) was too much as the Nighthawks defeated the Roadrunners 4-2 in the Faulkner Invitational at Ben Bradley Field in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday afternoon.
Thomas would attack quick from the opening kickoff, but two saves from sophomore Samuel Friare would halt the Nighthawk attack. The Roadrunners would strike first in the 9' as Santiago Moore would score his first goal of the year on a penalty kick to the top right corner that beat Nighthawk goalkeeper Ben Barnes for a 1-0 lead.
Thomas would get on the board in the 26' when Sam Eyes headed in a cross to even the score at 1-1.
The Nighthawks would strike again in the 34' when Gavin Rochford-Smith took a through ball and beat Fraire 1 v 1 for a 2-1 Thomas lead. Thomas would extend the lead to 3-1 in the 41' when Rene Rivera received a pass from Y'sef Glass and knocked it in the back of the goal. Steve Taylor would cut the Nighthawk lead to one at 3-2 when he scored with 29 seconds left in the first period as the Roadrunners went into the break down just one.
The Roadrunners would come out with an increased vigor to start the second period of play, but they would struggle to get the ball past Barnes as two good looks at goal would be saved by the Nighthawk netminder. Thomas would get on the board again in the 72' off the boot of Rochford-Smith as he collected his second goal of the day for a 4-2 lead. The Roadrunners would mount another attack, but Barnes would again stone them cold as Thomas held on for the 4-2 win.
Dalton State falls to 3-2-1 overall, while Thomas improves to 1-2 overall. Santiago Moore picked up his first goal of the season in limited action so far. Steve Taylor collected his second goal, while Daniel Valenciano notched his fourth assist. The match was relatively even from a statistical standpoint with Thomas out-shooting Dalton State 15-14, 9-7 on goal and both goalkeepers collecting five saves each.
Dalton State will have a quick turnaround as they will remain in Montgomery and face Johnson & Wales (Fla.) tomorrow, September 8 at Ben Bradley Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. (CT).