DAYTON (OH) — All it took was one perfectly executed sequence involving Tommy Watkins, Alex Torda, and Isaac Kissi to lift the Flyers to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Fordham Rams Friday evening at Baujan Field. Dayton remains undefeated at home over the last two seasons and improves to 10-2-2 (4-0-1), while the Rams drop to 6-6-1 (2-2-0).

In what turned out to be the most competitive match of the home schedule thus far, Dayton and Fordham cracked skulls from the opening whistle and never let up over the course of 90 minutes. But it was UD getting the better of things in the early going.

Despite significant resistance from Fordham all over the field, Dayton used a great work ethic and deft first touches to find just enough space against the Ram defense to move the ball forward. The Flyers had to be precise because Fordham closed down many of the gaps and cushions UD has enjoyed against other opponents over the last month of the home schedule.

By winning the battle in the air and digging out loose balls on the ground, UD got forward and looked to Alex Torda and Floran DeCamps for leadership in the attacking half of the field. Helping out was Isaac Kissi with his quick pace and dangerous foot skills. While the Flyers mounted several opportunistic scoring chances in the box, the Rams were organized and made things difficult. The Bronx Boys also did a nice job of turning defensive stops into strong counter-attacks. As much as UD looked comfortable working the ball around the field, Fordham also had no trouble playing for possession and taking extremely good care of the ball. But Dayton’s typical persistence paid off once again.

Torda and Watkins hooked up for a long ball downfield that got behind the Fordham back line along the left side. A slotted ball in between two defenders found Kissi making a textbook run in the box — unmarked and ready to pull the trigger. He ran on to the perfectly slotted ball and crushed it home from 10yds out for the first and only score of the evening in the 12th minute.

The rest of the first half continued to be a battle of strong wits and few mistakes. Neither side could force the other into a major bugaboo. Defensively, each side held ground and made life difficult for attacking players. Ram fullback Steve Woicik occupied the left side and demonstrated all kinds of quality skills — including 30yd throw-ins that were as effective as corner kicks. If he’s not an All-Conference pick by season end, the system is flawed.

What the Flyers did do was keep their poise. In spite of a few other strong scoring chances, UD never seem frustrated when the ball was unkind. Relatively untested in recent weeks at home, Fordham continued to provide a new kind of challenge for Dayton. Head Coach Dennis Currier’s squad appeared willing and able to step up their game as well.

At halftime, Dayton held a 10-7 advantage in shots on goal, while corner kicks were also in UD’s favor at 4-1.

Fans probably expected another second half surge from Dayton, especially moments after the whistle when UD has looked most dangerous. Unfortunately that wave of momentum didn’t exit the locker room at halftime as Fordham dialed it up several clicks and took control of the play.

As the half wore on, it was readily apparent the Rams were now the stronger side. The reversal of fortune also became more pronounced every few minutes, eventually costing UD valuable possession and midfield security. By the 60 minute mark, Dayton found itself in a defensive bunker they could neither attack out of nor earn possession with. With so many players behind the ball to defend, the midfield was left open for Fordham to walk the ball up within 40yds and serve uncontested crosses in the box. Flyer clears would land at the feet of the Rams near midfield and the cycle continued.

While UD was clearly not in top form, credit goes to the Rams for stepping up their pace and working harder to win most of the 50/50 balls near the center circle. Dayton was also plagued by poor first touches in the entire second frame that gave away possession all too easily, allowing Fordham to counter with numbers. Those counter-attacks forced UD goalkeeper Tyler Picard out from his box on a number of occasions to pick off crosses in heavy traffic.

Picard’s heady play in front of the net continued over the rest of the second half. Not only did he perform exceedingly well in the air, he also came up huge on at least two stops from point-blank range that were certain Fordham goals. Without question it was the best form of his young career and may have earned him man of the match honors.

Despite UD’s second half misgivings, they found a way to hang on and turn away loose ball after loose ball inside their 18yd line. They never fell victim to one bad bounce or loose touch that could end up costing them a win. Much has been said of the Flyers dominating opponents with talent and execution in past matches, but Friday’s eventual victory was more about perseverance. Sometimes that’s what it takes.

Match stats were nearly identical with shots in favor of UD 12-11 while corners were even at four.

Quite honestly, UD needed a new challenge and Fordham provided it. The Rams were every bit as well coached and organized as the Flyers so their 1-0 win over Top-15 St. Louis two weeks ago is not surprising. Fordham should prove to be a very dangerous conference tournament team, perhaps a darkhorse to win it all (if they qualify). With the unbalanced schedules however, it’s difficult to use the A10 tournament seeds as a true indicator of conference hierarchy.

UD finishes up the home schedule on Sunday against LaSalle with a chance to crack nearly every Top-25 poll next week. It’s also an opportunity to go undefeated at home for the second straight season. A lot to play for, and a lot to work on and address by then. The Flyers should be ready.