ST. GEORGE, Utah – the game was scoreless through the first 30 minutes of action and then a pair of goals by Dixie State University ended up propelling them to the 4-1 victory over the Fort Lewis College men's soccer team Friday evening in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.
Landon Gibson and Bar Hazut each had shots on goal over the first 10 minutes, but Zach Nielson collected both saves for Dixie State (3-5-1, 1-3-1 RMAC). Following another rush that resulted in a blocked shot and a save, the Trailblazers posted a goal when Moises Medina knocked home a header in the 33rd minute for the 1-0 lead.
It didn't take long for the teams to exchanged goals in the second half, as Dixie State started the scoring in the 50th minute when Traedon Chamberlain knocked home the goal and a 2-0 lead. Ty Lang had the answer for FLC (5-1-2, 3-1 RMAC) just over a minute later when took a rebound off a shot by Steen Shober and drilled it home to leave the deficit at one, 2-1. It was Lang's fourth goal of the season.
The Skyhawks kept the pressure going, generating several corner kicks and chances over the next few minutes, but weren't able to break through. Down to nearly the final 10 minutes, Dixie State tallied their third goal of the game when Idris Alabi knocked home a header goal in the 79th minute. He then added another goal three minutes later to provide the final margin of 4-1.
Dixie State held a 14-13 shot advantage, while FLC had an 8-5 edge on net. FLC had eight corner kicks to three for Dixie State and it was a physical game with Dixie State committing 19 fouls to 11 for FLC.
Shober and Lang led the team in shots with three apiece. Nicolas Perez added two shots.
In net, Ventura Salcido had a save while playing all 90 minutes.
Alabi paced Dixie State with four shots and Nielson played all 90 minutes in goal, collecting seven saves.
FLC will now face Westminster on Sunday starting at noon. The Griffins fell in a close battle earlier on Friday to Colorado Mesa, 4-2.
Hawks Fly Together: Fans interested in making a donation to the men's soccer program can do so by (once you click link, please select gift amount, then click on select fund, pick athletic teams and scholarships from the list and then in the sub-category, select men's soccer) clicking here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Skyhawks. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.
