Falcons Secure Historic Win Over Dalton State
TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. - The Florida College men's soccer team took the field Thursday evening for the first-ever SSAC soccer match. They squared off against the Dalton State College Road Runners. The contest was thoroughly exciting throughout, ultimately the Falcons coming out on top, 4-2.
The early going saw both teams looking to settle quickly and get on the board first with a goal to set the tempo of the match. Despite things going back and forth, the Falcons had the best chance of the half when Krist Berisha attempted a close-range shot but was denied by a stellar save from goalkeeper Samuel Fraire. The rest of the half was evenly contested in the midfield with both sides not able to produce the opening goal.
The second half would be a much different story, as six goals were scored in total. The Roadrunners would open the scoring in the 50th minute via a penalty kick scored by Daniel Valenciano. Despite going down 1-0, the Falcons never looked troubled as they picked up play immediately and pressed on to an equalizer. This would soon come in the 67th minute as Connor Nixon struck a scorching free-kick from the left side to beat Fraire, pulling the Falcons back level. Just over one minute later, the Falcons continued on the attack with Groutchov Pierre finding Davinson Mera in the 68th minute on top of the box, Mera finished well to the right side, putting the Falcons ahead for the first time in the contest.
Florida College would not relinquish their lead but instead kept battling to add two more goals, both by Sorel St. Fleur, in the 86th and 88th minute to put the game out of reach of the Roadrunners. St. Fleur was able to finish clinically, helping secure some breathing room for the Falcons entering the final minutes of the match. Dalton State would add another goal in the 90th minute from another penalty kick by Daniel Valenciano, but it was too late to mount a comeback.
The Falcons made history securing their first ever conference win in the Southern States Athletic Conference. After the match, Coach Alsafeer had this to say, "Dalton State is a great team and very well coached. I wish them luck the rest of the way. I am very proud of our boys, every one of them for the heart they showed today to take on a big-time opponent. We are pleased with the victory and give God all the glory."
Florida College men and women's soccer teams will be back in SSAC action Saturday as they host Faulkner University (AL), women at 11 AM and men at 1 PM. Come on out Saturday and support the Falcons in their effort to secure another conference win. For more updates and news, download the "Florida College Athletics" app and follow us on Twitter @FC_Athletics_