MARIETTA, Ga. --- In what was an incredibly physical, defensively played contest, the No. 17 Life University men's soccer team suffered its second loss to a top three opponent, falling 1-0 to No. 3 Dalton State in conference play Saturday afternoon at Lupo Famliy Field.

Life U (8-2-1, 2-2-1 SSAC) found themselves in a game decided by defense at home against No. 3 Dalton State (10-0-1, 3-0-1 SSAC) today. The teams only combined for 12 shots taken, both recording six, while the Roadrunners did a better job of putting their shots on frame, 3-1. Life U did not get a corner kick opportunity the entire game, but held a small edge in saves, 2-1. The game saw 39 total fouls called, Life U being called on more at 24-15, while the game's six cards were equally split between the teams. 

The game's only score came within the game's opening minutes, the Roadrunners finding a score in the sixth minute. In the 13th minute, Luka Zakarija did a great job collecting a header for a save, as the defense held an elite Dalton State attack to very limited opportunities. Life U's attack also struggled to break through their counterparts, only taking a pair of shots in the first before the teams went to the break with the Running Eagles' trailing 1-0. The second half opened with the teams looking to up the offensive intensity, but the Running Eagles only got one shot on frame, Thierry Jules putting the shot on goal, but the Roadrunner goal keeper coming up with the save. With both team's playing incredibly physically, Life U failed to record a goal, suffering a 1-0 loss.

Head coach Alex Pama spoke on the fight his team showed in another massive game. "Tough, close loss versus another top three program. Kudos to Dalton State as I believe their veterans proved to be the difference. In these type of close games the ball has to fall for you and today it didn't fall for us unfortunately." I think we deserved a little more than the loss based on our second half performance. However, such is the game sometimes where you don't always get what you deserve." Pama finished, looking forward to the next game, "Now we get ready for Talladega on Thursday."

The Running Eagles hit the road for the next two games, starting with a contest at Talladega October 20 at 7:30 PM.