#19 Roadrunners Lockup Home Quarterfinal Match With 2-0 Win Over Faulkner

Sunday, October 29, 2017

#19 Dalton State locked up the #3-seed in the upcoming Southern States Athletic Conference tournament with a 2-0 win over Faulkner (Ala.) at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium in Montgomery, Ala. on Saturday evening.

THE FIRST HALF
Both defenses would play tough in the first half with neither allowing many scoring opportunities.

The Roadrunners would attack in the 25' when Kevin Villatoro had a good look at the goal, but Eagle goalkeeper Caio Calado would be up to the task, stopping the shot. Dalton State would continue to press. Santiago Moore would have an opportunity in the 27' but he to0 was turned away by Calado. With the score tied at 0-0, Faulkner would try to get on the board before the half ended, but DS goalkeeper Samuel Fraire would deny Victor de Souza the chance to score as the teams would enter halftime tied at zero.

THE SECOND HALF
Faulkner would come out of the break on the attack. George Redwin would take a shot onSamuel Fraire in the 50', but Fraire would make the save to preserve the scoreless tie. In the 56', Santiago Moore lined up a corner kick for Dalton State. The kick would find its mark, bouncing to Jorge Hurtado who collected his fourth goal of the season and a 1-0 Roadrunner lead.

Dalton State would add to the lead in 68' as Justice Nmeregini broke away and knock the ball past Calado to put the Birds up by two. The defense would take over the rest of the way, holding the Eagles to zero shots down the stretch as the #19 Roadrunners cruised to a 2-0 victory.

THE REST OF THE STORY
Dalton State improves to (12-3-1 overall, 5-2 SSAC), while Faulkner drops to (9-5-1 overall, 3-4 SSAC) with the loss. Santiago Moore continues to make his case for SSAC Player of the Year with his 15th assist of the season. Jorge Hurtado continued his offensive explosion, scoring his fourth goal in the last three games. Samuel Fraire continues to have a stellar freshman season, notching his third shutout of the year.

The Roadrunners out shot the Eagles 10-9 overall and 6-2 on goal. Dalton State locks up the #3-seed in the SSAC tournament, while Faulkner will be the #5-seed.

QUOTES FROM COACH
"It was a very even first half," said coach Daser. "it was nice to see our team get a shutout win over a tough Faulkner club. We'll need a big crowd at home next week to help us get through to the semifinal round."

UP NEXT
#19 Dalton State will host #6-seed Martin Methodist in the quarterfinal round of the SSAC tournament. Date and time will be announced on Monday, October 30.