The Dalton dynasty is cemented. The undefeated Catamounts are the AAAA boys state soccer champions for a second straight year.
Justen Macias and Javier Rodriguez scored goals, and keeper Leuri Fraire’s shutout was highlighted by a big-time save early in Dalton’s 2-0 win over Johnson of Gainesville on Saturday at Kennesaw State.
The Catamounts (22-0-1) are 44-0-1 the past two seasons and had only one game that was decided by one goal this season.
“There are a lot of fantastic players on this team,” said Dalton coach Matt Cheaves. “They put in the work every day to win back-to-back state championships.”
The Knights (21-2), making the first championship game in school history, were the aggressors early. Five minutes into the game, a well-timed cross from Bryant Anaya found Barut Perez at the back post. Perez got his head on it, but Fraire dove to his right and barely got a hand on it to keep it out of the net. The clutch save sparked the Catamounts.
“That was huge for us,” Cheaves said of Fraire’s diving save.
Johnson keeper Ivan Salcido also came up big early on for the Knights, turning away multiple Dalton scoring chances. But the Catamounts were beginning to assume control, as scoring opportunities increased late in the half.
Finally, Macias headed home a bouncing ball in the box to put Dalton ahead 1-0 with 3:56 left before half. Christian Saldana was credited with the assist.
“We talked about how important it was to get the first goal and make them change their style,” Johnson coach Brian Shirley said. “And that just didn’t happen. It seemed like they were to every 50-50 ball from the very beginning and the amount of pressure they put on us definitely gave us some issues.”
Rodriguez, the Catamounts' leading scorer, added an insurance goal eight minutes into the second half. He corralled a loose ball that got behind Salcido and buried it to extend the lead to 2-0. It was Rodriguez's 17th goal on the season and was more than enough for Dalton, which had 22 shots on goal to Johnson's six.
Up by two goals, Dalton locked things down on the defensive end. Any penetration by the Knights was quickly snuffed out by the quicker Catamounts. Johnson starting forward Luis Deltoro went down with a leg injury in the first half did not return.
The Dalton celebration began right as time expired, with players diving into the sea of fans who made the trip down to Kennesaw.
“We’re going to go to Applebee’s and celebrate with my teammates, friends and family,” said Fraire.
Don't be surprised if you're reading the same story next May. The Catamounts' top five point producers are underclassmen.
About the Author
