The Sussex Academy boys’ soccer team began the final leg of its quest for a three-peat in Division II on the right foot with a 2-1 victory over Newark Charter in overtime Nov. 8.

On paper, it was the No. 1 Seahawks against the No. 9 Patriots, but what played out on the pitch was a game far closer than rankings. In fact, Sussex Academy was trailing at the end of the first half.

“They had one opportunity, and they buried it,” said coach R.J. Dina. “That's why you love and hate the game at the same time, but Ben Steimel is a remarkable leader on that back line.”

Despite the concession, the Seahawks didn’t veer off of their flight path.

“At this point, most of our starting 11 is kind of used to it, we're used to the pressure,” said senior George Sapna.

“They just have a ton of experience in these moments, and all year long there's been plenty of games where we've gone down 1-0, had to claw back, or games that we've been up 1-0, and we've conceded late,” Dina said. “We have a group of seniors and a supporting cast behind that group that has no quit and feels like they deserve to win and feels like that it is their game to lose.” 

A stalemate ensued, for the most part, in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. With each clear, however, the Sussex Academy offense presented different puzzles for the Newark Charter backline as their own back four remained stout after tightening up following the first goal.

“We had several chances right in front of the goal,” said Ballinger. “I had a few, and I knew it was coming. You could just feel it.”

Following a few set pieces deep in Patriots’ territory, Sapna, an All-American, drew a few defenders and the keeper off his backline. A versatile finisher, Sapna curved the ball around the keeper and tucked the ball into the far post to tie the game 1-1 in the 63rd minute.

“Shots like that aren't that out of my bag, so I had a few that didn't hit the target, but I knew we were due for one, so I just shot it,” Sapna said. “Chase was telling me, ‘Take it yourself,’ and when you have teammates that believe in you, it helps a lot.”

“I have leaders all over the field, and it showed today,” Dina said.

Sussex Academy nearly found the game-winner in regulation, but the bench-clearing thrill would need to wait for the closing minutes of the first overtime. Sapna put a shot on frame that senior Jesse Jean-Louis rebounded directly off the Newark Charter keeper and bounced to Ballinger who buried the golden goal.

“We had a similar play against IR last year, where Jesse – he's a hard worker – got the ball to me, easy tap in and that's the game,” Ballinger said.

“We played our brand, kept the ball and we knew the goal was coming,” Jean Louis said.

Although he didn’t score, Jean Louis played a crucial role in keeping the Newark Charter backline lower than it wanted to be.

Despite the game leaking into overtime, Dina and the Seahawks’ confidence gave them the composure needed to earn the 2-1 win.

“We said it in the huddle, ‘Leave no doubt,’ and they absolutely did not,” Dina said. “I am so proud of them.”

“It's our home,” Sapna said. “We don't lose at home.”

No. 1 Sussex Academy will take on No. 4 Sanford School at Caesar Rodney’s Legacy Field at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the Division II semifinals.