MONTGOMERY, Ala. --- With it looking like extra time would be necessary in a defensive battle between the Life University men's soccer team and No. 1 Dalton State in the Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament Semifinals, a last minute goal by Manuel Carrillo saw the Running Eagles pull off the revenge upset, punching their ticket to the conference championship game Wednesday night.

Life U (13-2-1) again found themselves in a dog fight for the second time this season against Dalton State (14-1-3), but unlike the previous meeting, the scales tipped enough in the Running Eagles favor to secure the team its first ever victory over a top-ranked opponent. Much like the score, the stat sheet was also mostly even, the teams tying at eight shots taken each. Life U held a small edge in saves, 3-1, while corner kicks favored the Roadrunners at 7-1. The game was called evenly by the referees, Life U being called on fewer fouls, 13-15, but receiving more penalties, 3-1.

The game stood as a testament to outstanding defensive efforts for both teams. For the Running Eagles, the likes of Lars Van der Steen, Coen Temminck, Dave Star, and Luka Zakarija continuously coming up with massive stops whenever Dalton State threatened. 

The Roadrunners struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in just the game's third minute on the first shot of the contest. Midway through the first half, the Running Eagles evened things up, Luciano Diaz applying pressure with a shot on frame, collecting the carom which he passed off to Thierry Jules who nailed in the tying goal in the 26th minute. Dalton State applied pressure to end the first half, but Life U held them off to take a 1-1 tie into the break.

Offensive opportunities continued to be limited in the second half and as the minutes continued to slip away it looked more and more likely that the game was headed to extra time. With just over a minute to play, Carrillo was subbed back into the game and made his impact almost immediately felt. The freshman raced down the far side kicking the ball across the face and out of the reach of the outstretching Roadrunner goal keeper to record the go-ahead goal. The Running Eagles did not allow another shot to Dalton State to close out the massive victory, 2-1.

Head coach Alexander Pama was elated with his team coming out on top. "Fantastic win. We had to overcome some challenges prior and during the game but the lads responded wonderful. I have always said there is one goal between all the top four teams in the Southern States and today proved that theory right again." Looking forward to the championship game, Pama said, "Now we get ready for our conference final on Friday."

The conference final will be played Friday against the winner of William Carey and Mobile's semifinal contest.