Sussex Academy puts a ribbon on preseason with 2-0 win over Dover
Reigning DIAA Division II soccer champion Sussex Academy concluded its preseason Sept. 3, with a 2-0 victory at home over Division I contender Dover.
“It was a bit of a slow start for us, as we're still getting some guys back from injury, but it's a resilient group,” said Seahawks coach R.J. Dina. “They've kind of been there before and know how to manage when we're struggling, what to do next and how they should try to find different moments to be successful.”
Following a scoreless first half in which Sussex Academy generated some looks and a few corners, successful adjustments were made at halftime.
“It was all about technical stuff,” captain Andres Romero-Nieto said. “We changed the formation; we changed the way we do the runs and how we pass the ball. We concentrated on moving the ball more than moving ourselves.”
Seahawks junior Chase Ballinger started the scoring just past the 50-minute mark with a finish that capped off a strong Sussex Academy counterattack. About 12 minutes later, Romero-Nieto helped force a mistake and netted the second goal to double the Seahawks’ lead over the Senators.
“They're a smart group, and they often find their way to success, no matter how they're performing,” Dina said. “Whether they're really down or really up, they kind of keep themselves even-keeled throughout it. It's a credit to them, and their experience in big games and scrimmages.”
New faces covering Sussex Academy’s backline held strong along with senior staples McKenna Danahy and C.J. Norton to preserve the clean sheet as the Seahawks took down the Senators 2-0.
“I've been thrilled, because they've trained at a high level, and you never know between training and games how they're going to perform, but their energy at training has been matched here in the games,” said Dina.
He was also impressed with how sophomores Carson Klahr and Brandon Jamies stepped in along with junior Noah Benz to shore up the defense, noting Danahy stood out positively with his switch to inside for the game.
A key to a Seahawks repeat could be their cohesiveness, which has strengthened over the years.
“They've been playing together for a long time, not just from last high school season, but all through the winter, the spring and into the summer with regionals,” Dina said. “They all play together on the same club team, so the chemistry is great.”
Sussex Academy will begin its title defense at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10, with a rematch of the 2023 Henlopen Conference Championship at home against Sussex Central.
