PROGRESS 2024: Going pro: Dalton State soccer program exports pro prospects

Published 1:00 am Friday, March 29, 2024

By Submitted by Dalton State College

: Dalton State College’s Zachary Perry signed with the Harrisburg Heat of the Major Arena Soccer League.

The city known as Soccertown, USA, might be known for its high school soccer excellence, but Dalton State College is also exporting some professional soccer prospects.

Dalton State’s men’s soccer program, which has been ranked No. 1 in the NAIA in each of the last two seasons, has produced seven professional athletes from its rosters during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

“The community in Dalton provides a unique environment for all people to pursue their dreams. This can be seen in how soccer has become a staple of the culture in the community with several winning programs, top talents and unrivaled community support,” Saif Alsafeer, head coach for Dalton State’s men’s and women’s soccer teams, said. “The support for soccer in our community has helped our program at Dalton State become a destination where student athletes receive support from the campus and local communities, creating a lasting impact on their lives.”

Ramos recently completed an associate degree at Dalton State, where he was a two-time NAIA All-American and two-time All-SSAC. He has signed a one-year contract with Tormenta FC, a Statesboro-based team which plays in USL League One.

Tormenta Head Coach Ian Cameron believes Ramos can “make a big impact in his first year as a pro.”

There is often an adaptation period for young athletes transitioning from the collegiate to professional level, but Cameron believes Ramos will adapt quickly due to the training and support he received at Dalton State.

“What gives us confidence he can convert quickly is the program he arrives from, Dalton State,” Cameron said. “Their athletes are really well-coached and held to a high set of standards, therefore making the transition easier. If he absorbs our information quickly, he could make an immediate impact.”

Across the globe and up the road, Two Roadrunners head home

Andersson, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary studies in fall 2023 and was a 2023 All-SSAC athlete, signed a professional contract with IKKongahalla in his home country, Sweden, following two years with the Roadrunners.

“Ras came to us not only looking for a team but also a place he could call home. He certainly found a home with us here in the Dalton State family,” Alsafeer said. “He put in a great amount of work to become a top player in a very difficult conference. What a pleasure it is to see him signing a professional contract to pursue his dreams.”

Barrueta is also heading home to begin a professional career. The Chattanooga native signed a two-year deal with Chattanooga FC and will continue pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness at Dalton State.

“Michael’s trained with us since I’ve been here,” Chattanooga FC Head Coach and Sporting Director Rod Underwood said in a release. “He’s a good person, so that’s really important for us. He really wanted to begin his professional career with us, and this is his hometown, so it’s a special opportunity for him and we really feel like it’s a great place for him to start and we’re really looking forward to that.”

While at Dalton State, Barrueta was a three-time all-SSAC athlete and a NAIA all-American. He also won the SSAC Golden Gloves Award.

Franca signs with USL League One team

A Dalton State standout, Franca has signed with the Richmond Kickers, a USL League One team in Richmond, Virginia.

Across four seasons at Dalton State, the Rio de Janeiro native started in 58 of 59 games. In his final collegiate season, Franca commanded a backline that earned 11 clean sheets while scoring four goals and adding two assists to his points tally.

Roadrunner supporters will have an opportunity to see Franca in action with the Kickers when Richmond takes on the Chattanooga Red Wolves at CHI Memorial Stadium in East Ridge on Saturday, May 11, and Saturday, July 13.

Franca’s career accolades at Dalton State include two-time NAIA All-America, three-time All-SSAC, 2022 SSAC Co-Player of the Year, two-time SSAC Defensive Player of the Year, two-time SSAC Men’s Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year, 2022 United Soccer Coaches National Scholar Player of the Year, four-time Daktronics Scholar-Athlete (Academic All-American) and two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-American.

Two Roadrunners go semi-pro in Australia

Cicoria and Riescher have both agreed to a semi-professional deal with GV Suns FC in Australia.

Cicoria commanded the backline and captained the Roadrunners for two seasons, after transferring from Florida College. While at Dalton State, he was a three-time All-SSAC selection and a 2021 Honorable Mention All-American.

Riescher is one of Dalton State’s most decorated players. He is the program leader with 53 goals scored and 120 points earned. He also holds records for most goals scored, points accumulated in a match and goals scored in a season.

He earned NAIA All-American on three occasions and All-SSAC four times. Riescher was also a three-time SSAC All-Academic team member and the SSAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2021.

Perry transitions to professional level with major indoor league

Perry has agreed to a multi-year contract with the Harrisburg Heat of the Major Arena Soccer League.

Originally from Oviedo, Florida, Perry spent five years at Dalton State and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness in fall 2023.

“Zach had a very successful college career at Dalton State College,” Harrisburg Heat Head Coach and General Manager Pat Healey, said. “I think his talent is very suitable for the indoor game.”

During his career with the Roadrunners, he was named a NAIA third-team all-American and as SSAC all-Conference twice.

“I look forward to putting in the hard work and making the most of this opportunity,” Perry said. “I can’t wait to meet all the Heat fans and finish the rest of the season strong.”