Cape soccer wins rivalry game 1-0 over Sussex Academy

Cape and Sussex Academy engaged in a spirited soccer battle at Legends Stadium Oct. 10, as the Vikings entered the contest at 6-1 and the Seahawks boasted a 7-1 record. 

“We are two of the top teams in the state, and coming into this match, we knew that we had a lot of friends wearing the other jersey,” said Cape coach Patrick Kilby.

Sussex Academy knew they needed to key on junior Cardin Benjamin, while Cape defenders understood they couldn’t let sophomores Liam Stegall and George Sapna get too many touches. 

“When we talk about soccer in the Lewes-Georgetown community, this is the premier matchup every year,” Kilby said.

As both teams wrestled for control of the ball at midfield, scoring chances were at a premium. 

“I thought the boys played well. In certain moments, the keeper bailed them out, and in many instances, we had chances to finish and just simply didn’t,” said Sussex Academy coach R.J. Dina. “That’s what it comes down to at the end of the game – we made one critical error.” 

That critical error came in the 32nd minute of the first half. 

“We took Jack Schell off and we put on Collin Sivels, who can turn and burn on anybody in the state,” Kilby said.

Sivels took a through ball from Benjamin and raced toward goalkeeper C.J. Norton. Using a combination of his speed and delicate touch, Sivels found an opening and converted on the scoring chance to give Cape the 1-0 lead. As the Vikings supporters erupted, Sivels raced over to the student section to high-five and celebrate with his classmates. 

“It just felt so good. I haven’t scored like that in a while, and I was excited to feel the crowd and hear them yell out that I scored,” Sivels said.

Although he does not start, Sivels understands he plays an important role on the team.

“Kilby tells me to come in and burn that backline, and I proved it tonight, because I got my confidence back and I just felt it today. My mindset was just ready,” Sivels said.

Cape welcomes Dover at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, for its Cancer Awareness Night game, while Sussex Academy will celebrate Homecoming against Lake Forest that same night starting at 7 p.m.