Eagles Start the Season with a 1-1 Tie with #4 Dalton State

Waleska, GA - Coach Frankie Ruiz got his first game as the Head Eagle for Men's Soccer under his belt tonight with an impressive start to the season.  It was not a win, but it was a nice battle with a very talented Dalton State team -  who is currently ranked #4 in the nation and coming off a year where they were the #1 team most of last year.

The first half was a lot of possession by the Roadrunners with several close attempts on starting goalkeeper, Elijah Clark, however, it would be the Eagles that would surprisingly strike first. In the fifth minute of play, left winger Andres Jorquera would send a long cross that would get past Dalton State's back line.  Newcomer, Jacob Grimmer, would get his head on the long cross and put it far side past Dalton State's keeper.  It was a beautiful start to the game, which ended up being a game searching for goals.

Dalton State would answer back in the 19th minute of the game to bring the game back to even, 1-1.  The right winger for Dalton State was able to squeeze one past Clark - but that would be all that he would allow after many brilliant saves.

Clark, who was the backup goalkeeper last season, gave Eagles fans reasons to be excited for what is to come this season. Clark was no doubt the player of the game as he would have 11 saves on 12 shots by the Roadrunners.  Many of those 12 shots were at point-blank range which Clark pushed out of the way and his most amazing save of the night was from a Dalton State penalty shot. Clark chose the right way to dive and was able to get his top arm up and push it past the right post.

The defense for both teams did their jobs the rest of the way and kept the score even, but it was Dalton State that would be left wondering how to get their 19 shots (12 on goal) past Clark.

The Eagles will have the week to practice to get ready for Point University on Saturday, August 26.  That game will be at Reinhardt starting at 7 pm.