NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 2, Dalton State 0
Records: Life U, 14-1-2 (8-1-0 SSAC); Dalton State, 9-3-5 (SSAC 3-2-4)
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Life University men's soccer team advanced to the finals of the SSAC tournament, defeating the Roadrunners of Dalton State by a score of 2-0. The Running Eagles got big time goals from Stan Van Der Laan and Kaito Nakayama in the contest.
It took just 12 minutes for the Running Eagles to jump out to a lead, with Stan Van Der Laan heading home the opening goal. Off a corner opportunity, Augusto Del Rio played a short ball to Kaito Nakayama who sent it right back to Del Rio. From there, the junior swung a brilliant ball into the box, picking out Van Der Laan for the header into the far-corner.
Following the early lead, Life U continued to fire away for the majority of the first half, launching eight shots in the first 45. Dalton State had one solid look in the first as Pawel Wolny was called into action, making the save. The first half played extremely physical, with a total of 19 fouls between the two squads and 4 yellow cards.
Out of the break, Life U wasted no timing adding to the score line. A ball swung into the box was bounced around and played towards the top of the 18. From there, Nakayama nailed a low line drive into the back of the net. The goal marks just the second of the year for the senior.
Life U continued to hammer away, the Running Eagles once again dominated the shot count in the second half, 9-2. The remaining minutes saw the physical action continue as four more yellow cards were issued.
Wrapping up the contest, the Running Eagles defense finished the contest strong, not allowing a single shot in the final 20 minutes of the contest.
Up next, Life U will play in the SSAC Finals against #2 seed William Carey on Saturday, Nov. 8.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--The game was extremely physical, with 32 fouls and eight yellow cards in the contest.
--The Life U out shot the Roadrunners 17-5 in the contest.
-- Life U led in corners 10-4.
TURNING POINT:
--Stan Van Der Laan headed home the opening goal in the 13th minute.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Stan Van Der Laan recorded the opening goal of the night.
--Kaito Nakayama had a goal and an assist in the contest.
--Augusto Del Rio and Hugo Carbonell had an assist in the contest.
