Dalton State Soccer Falls To Mobile, 2-1 In SSAC Semifinal Match

#20 Dalton State dropped a 2-1 decision to #8 Mobile (Ala.) in a physical Southern States Athletic Conference semifinal match at Emory Folmar YMCA in Montgomery, Ala. on Wednesday night.

THE FIRST HALF
Mobile would waste no time getting on the board, scoring in the 4' when Newton Henry booted it past Dalton State goalkeeper Samuel Fraire for a 1-0 advantage.

The lead would be short lived as Santiago Moore connected with Isael Gutierrez in the 13' for the equalizer.

The physical nature of the match would continue as neither team would get a good look at goal. With 20 seconds remaining in the half, Sam White found a cutting Victor Pimentel who found the back of the net for the 2-1 Ram lead at the half.

THE SECOND HALF
Dalton State would come out aggressively in the second half looking for the equalizer. They would be given limited opportunities as the Mobile defense swarmed to the ball and stuffed the middle of the field.

The Roadrunners would mount a late rally with a throw in and two corner kicks in the final minute of the match, but each time they would be turned away. Mobile would withstand the late onslaught and hold on for the 2-1 win.

THE REST OF THE STORY
#20 Dalton State drops to (12-4-2 overall), while #8 Mobile improves to (12-3-2 overall) and will play #1 William Carey (Miss.) for the SSAC Championship. Golden Boot Award winner Santiago Moore collected his 18th assist of the season in the loss.

Isael Gutierrez got Dalton State back in the game in the 13' with his second goal of the season. Freshman Samuel Fraire was once again masterful in net, allowing just two goals to a great Mobile squad.

The match was physical, featuring 31 fouls and a combined 17 shots between the two teams.

UP NEXT
The #20 Roadrunners will have to wait and see if they receive an at-large bid to the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship. Participants will be announced Monday, November 13 at 1:00 p.m. ET via selection show on the NAIA Network.