Dalton State College was selected as one of 10 hosts for the 2022 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship First and Second Rounds.
The first round will be Thursday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Dalton Stadium.
“Our role as host is a community effort. We are so proud of this soccer team and Dalton,” said Jon Jaudon, executive director of athletics and external relations at Dalton State. “Please join us as we pursue another national title for our college and community.”
This year will be the fourth consecutive year men’s soccer has been in the NAIA Championship, but this is the first time Dalton State has hosted any NAIA national event.
Each of the 10 sites will feature four teams playing in the first round, followed by a bracket championship for each location on Saturday, Nov. 19. The Dalton bracket championship will start at the Dalton Stadium at 6 p.m. Bracket winners will head to the 64th Annual Men’s Soccer National Championship in Decatur, Ala., Nov. 29 to Dec. 5.
“The upcoming games are extremely exciting. To be back in the national tournament and to be hosting the opening rounds, it is the culmination of a lot of hard work,” said Saif Alsafeer, director of soccer at Dalton State. “I couldn’t be more thankful for the staff, players, athletics department, and community who have stepped up this year to bring unprecedented success to Dalton State and Dalton soccer. It’s been a tremendous accomplishment from all involved.”
Tickets to the Nov. 17 and 19 events are $5 and can be purchased online at https://dsroadrunners.com/sports/2021/2/3/hometown-ticketing.aspx. Dalton State students can attend for free with a valid student ID. Dalton State employees and the public will need to purchase tickets for these events, preferably in advance. Tickets can be purchased on site with a credit card or cash.
“Even if you aren’t a fan of futbol, these matches will be very entertaining and a great atmosphere for families and all who attend. Our hosting is the culmination of what’s been brewing in Dalton soccer for the past few years,” Saif said, “it’s exciting to see it unfold.”
