Box Score WITCHITA Ks. (November 30, 2023) – The St. Thomas University Men's Soccer team defeated Dalton State in penalty kicks to advance to the Semifinals for the first time in program history. Franco Acerbi was strong making a penalty kick of his own, immediately followed by a huge save that led to Hernando Suarez finishing it.
 
The opening half saw a closely contested battle, with both teams exchanging shots and substitutions. St. Thomas' #5 displayed a commendable effort, securing a crucial goal through an own goal by Dalton State at the 43:18 mark, leveling the score at 1-1. Despite several attempts by both sides, the first half concluded with the scoreboard deadlocked.
 
As the second half unfolded, the intensity heightened. Dalton State's #4, Jack Stainrod, played a pivotal role, contributing to Guilherme Franca's goal at 7:50, giving Dalton State a 1-0 lead. St. Thomas, undeterred, continued to press forward with shots from Joaquin Domber and Pascal Agostini. The second half ended with Dalton State maintaining their narrow lead.
 
The game proceeded to overtime, adding an extra layer of drama. Both teams fought relentlessly, but neither could break the deadlock. The first and second overtime periods concluded with no additional goals, setting the stage for a penalty shootout.
 
The tension reached its peak during the penalty shootout. St. Thomas and Dalton State went head-to-head in a nerve-wracking series of penalty kicks. Each kick carried the weight of the entire match, with players displaying incredible skill and composure under immense pressure. St. Thomas emerged victorious in the shootout, with key players like Hernando Suarez, Franco Acerbi, Nick In't Zand, and others making crucial shots. The match reached an astonishing climax with St. Thomas winning 6-5 in the penalty shootout.