DALTON, Ga. – Jake Coltart and Aaron Ramos scored second-half goals as Dalton State responded to an Xavier (La.) equalizer in just 79 seconds to secure a 2-1 victory Friday at Dalton Stadium.
FIRST HALF
The match remained scoreless through the opening 45 minutes as both teams struggled to generate clear scoring opportunities. Dalton State produced the first shot on goal in the 15th minute when Jake Coltart tested Xavier goalkeeper Lenno Schmidt, who made the save.
Xavier finished the half with a 4-2 advantage in total shots, but none of its attempts were on target. Bruno Abdallah had two efforts blocked, while Diego Vasquez sent a shot high in the 32nd minute. Joao Victor recorded Dalton State's final opportunity of the period, sending his attempt wide right in the 44th minute.
SECOND HALF
Xavier applied early pressure after halftime, forcing Bernardo Manzano to make saves against Ellison Haynes in the 49th and 52nd minutes. The Roadrunners broke through at the other end in the 56th minute. Aaron Ramos set up Jake Coltart, who scored the opening goal to give Dalton State a 1-0 advantage.
Xavier leveled the match in the 69th minute when Benjamin Iglesias converted an opportunity created by João Pedro. The Roadrunners' response was immediate. Just 79 seconds later, substitute Jamal Gizir assisted Aaron Ramos for the go-ahead goal at the 69:28 mark, restoring Dalton State's lead at 2-1.
Dalton State protected the advantage over the final 20 minutes. Lenno Schmidt denied Victor Valencia in the 82nd minute, while Bernardo Manzano made his fifth and final save against Benjamin Iglesias in the 88th minute to seal the Roadrunners' victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Final score: Dalton State (Ga.) 2, Xavier (La.) 1
- Records: Dalton State (Ga.) 11-4-3 overall, Xavier (La.) 8-6-2 overall
- 15-9: Xavier's advantage in total shots.
- 6-6: Shots on goal for each team.
- 5: Saves by Dalton State goalkeeper Bernardo Manzano.
- 3: Shots by Jake Coltart, all on goal, with one goal.
- 1 goal, 1 assist: Aaron Ramos' totals in the victory.
- 79 seconds: Time between Xavier's equalizer and Ramos' match-winning goal.
- 3-1: Xavier's advantage in corner kicks.
- 35: Combined fouls, with Xavier committing 19 and Dalton State 16.
UP NEXT
The Roadrunners turn their sights to Montgomery and the SSAC Semifinals where they will face the tournaments 1-seed and the #4-ranked team in the country, Faulkner (Ala.). Kickoff from Emory Folmar YMCA Complex is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. (CT).
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