Dalton State College men’s soccer wins first national championship

Published 4:30 pm Monday, December 9, 2024

After more than 90 minutes of scoreless soccer and two overtimes, the Dalton State College Roadrunners won their first NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship on Monday, defeating William Penn University 3-2 in penalty kicks in Wichita, Kansas.

Scoring the three successful PKs for Dalton State were Jip van den Essen, Kazuma Ishizuka and Frank Rodriguez. Senior Roadrunners goalkeeper Nicolas Leite made the game-winning save after stepping in front of a final kick attempt by William Penn’s Connor O’Reilly. Leite had three saves during the penalty kick shootout.

The No.1-ranked and undefeated Roadrunners finish the 2024 season 22-0-2.

Following the win, junior striker Jack Stainrod received the NAIA’s Outstanding Offensive Player award and senior centerback Juan Demichelis received the NAIA’s Most Valuable Player award.

Please see Wednesday’s paper for a complete report.