Sussex Academy soccer defeats Newark Charter 3-1

It took the Sussex Academy girls’ soccer team falling behind 1-0 at the 17-minute mark before the Seahawks found their footing and tallied three straight goals to take a 3-1 victory on their home turf.

Tayler Flaherty scored at the 19-minute mark to tie the game. Catherine Brown hit the twine with the go-ahead goal at 28 minutes and the Seahawks held a 2-1 lead at the halftime break. 

Natalie Roblero scored the lone second-half goal at 63 minutes to put the game out of reach. Debora Williams had two assists, while Carmen Merrick had a helper.

The Seahawks outshot the Patriots 9-7 and held a 3-1 advantage in corners.

Sussex Academy keeper Grace Fiorilla and Newark Charter goalie Addison Townsend each had six saves.

“Our energy was great today,” said Sussex Academy head coach R.J. Dina. “It was a much different start to the match than our last outing [a 4-0 loss to Appoquinimink]. We made it difficult, I felt, for Newark Charter to get into the match and get comfortable. These girls had last year on their mind going into this one, dropping this matchup in overtime [last year] after leading all of 79 minutes. That game knocked us out of a playoff spot. They came out hungry and focused. I’m proud of their response to a bit of adversity today. We will continue to grow and learn in big moments.”