DALTON, Ga. - Faulkner started its conference campaign with a massive 1-0 win in the SSAC Game of the Week Friday afternoon over a (RV) Dalton State side that had lost at home just twice since COVID and Faulkner had never beaten.
In a physical matchup with both sides showing good chances to find the breakthrough, the defenses and keepers held strong. The No. 22-ranked Eagles looked the more offensive side, outshooting the Roadrunners 15-5 and it was the 14th shot that made the difference.Â
In the 86th minute,
Asaph Silveira crossed from the left side where
Leo Freire rose above his marker and headed home the only goal needed for all three points to start SSAC play. It marked Freire's 19th goal, tying him for second-most all-time with
Konsti Witte. Silveria picked up his third assist of the year and seventh as an Eagle for the historic goal.
Faulkner picked up its only two results against the Roadrunners in the last two seasons with a pair of draws before Friday's win in the 14th lifetime meeting. Dalton State entered 46-2-8 at home since COVID with Faulkner handing the Roadrunners one of those draws in 2024 with a 2-2 draw.Â
Andre Ferreira stopped three shots for his fourth clean sheet of his career and second of the season. José Lucca,
Leo de Souza, Friere,
Matheus Magnusson and
Gustavo Nau all played 90 minutes in the shutout effort.Â
The Eagles improved to 5-1 and 1-0 in SSAC play and will travel to Marietta, Ga. to take on No. 9 Life Sunday at 3:30 p.m. central in the fourth straight game against a team either receiving votes or better in a run of six consecutive.Â
