DALTON, Ga. – Dalton State scored twice during a five-minute stretch in the first half and withstood a late push from Blue Mountain Christian to earn a 2-1 victory Sunday at Dalton Stadium. Jonathan Mindegaard and Jake Coltart supplied the goals.
FIRST HALF
Dalton State broke through in the 13th minute when Mindegaard found the back of the net off an assist from Jesus Huitanda, giving the Roadrunners a 1-0 advantage. Coltart doubled the lead less than five minutes later, finishing a chance set up by goalkeeper Bernardo Manzano at the 17:08 mark.
The Roadrunners continued to pressure the Blue Mountain Christian defense throughout the half. Manzano preserved the two-goal advantage with a save on Erick Braga in the 43rd minute, sending the Roadrunners into halftime ahead 2-0. Mindegaard, Georg Wissler, Jamal Gizir and each placed a shot on goal as Dalton State outshot the Toppers 7-2 during the opening 45 minutes.
SECOND HALF
Blue Mountain Christian opened the second half on the attack and forced Manzano to make three saves during the first 10 minutes. Dalton State responded with several opportunities of its own, including attempts from Gizir, Sergio Salas, Alex Santillian and Wissler, but the Roadrunners could not add to their lead.
The Toppers cut the deficit in half when Sammuel Davi Cavalcante converted a penalty kick in the 79th minute. Cavalcante threatened again in the 82nd minute, but Manzano made the save to keep Dalton State in front. The Roadrunners held firm over the closing minutes, while Blue Mountain Christian finished the match with 10 players following Filipe Polini's red card in the 90th minute.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Final score: Dalton State (Ga.) 4, Blue Mountain Christian (Miss.) 0
- Records: Dalton State (Ga.) 8-4-3 overall, 5-3-1 SSAC, Blue Mountain Christian (Miss.) 11-1-3 overall, 7-0-2 SSAC
- Dalton State held a 12-10 advantage in total shots and placed five attempts on goal.
- The Roadrunners finished with a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.
- Dalton State committed 12 fouls, compared with 16 by Blue Mountain Christian.
- Bernardo Manzano recorded five saves and contributed an assist on Coltart's goal.
- Jonathan Mindegaard and Jake Coltart scored Dalton State's two goals, while Jesus Huitanda, and Manzano collected the assists.
- Jamal Gizir led the Roadrunners with three shots, including two on goal.
UP NEXT
The Roadrunners begin the conference tournament on Friday, October 30 when they host Xavier (La.). Kickoff at Dalton Stadium is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. as the Birds will look to avenge an earlier home loss to the Gold Rush.
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