Darton squeaks by SMC for rights to Southeast District Championship

Spartanburg Methodist College welcomed the #2 team in the country to campus on Saturday afternoon for a fierce match up that left many wanting more. However, in the end the Darton squad stepped off the field as victors in South Carolina today, having beaten Spartanburg Methodist College 3-2 in the Southeast District Championship final. 

"Hat's off to that team - they wanted it man, they were good," Darton College head coach Bart Sasnett said. "We just wanted it a little bit  more."

With today's win, Darton, now 18-1, are among eight teams destined for the NJCAA National Championship tournament in Phoenix. SMC ends the year with a 16-4 record, runner-up in the District Championship, a regular season Region X title and their second in as many years' tournament titles.

Darton went up two goals early in the first half and seemed to be ready to cruise to a victory. That was until the nation's leading scorer Sebastian Velasquez got a good look and drilled the ball into the back of the net, cutting into the Cavaliers lead.

Darton struck first in the second half and once again seemed in control until Thomas Acosta got a clear look and made the score 3-2 with 15 minutes left to play.

The Pioneers made a valiant attempt in the final minutes, but could not come up with the tying goal.

"Give credit to Darton, said head coach Rich Weber. They aren't ranked #2 in the country for nothing. We played well, if the ball bounces different here or there the games changes all together." "I'm very proud of the guys and how hard they played all year."

Great job to the Pioneer soccer team. You were a joy to watch this year and made us proud...!