Sussex Academy soccer’s three-peat chase ends with 1-0 loss

Chances are the boys from the smallest public school in Sussex County who just went on a nearly unprecedented run would strongly argue that losing one still stings a bit. Sussex Academy’s 1-0 loss to Saint Mark’s in the Division II state championship Nov. 15 at Dover High school ended the Seahawks’ quest for their third title in as many years.

“We committed to a 30-game project, and we had a rough freshman year with them, but we committed at the end of 30 games that they would be the best, and they committed to me,” said coach R.J. Dina. “They work incredibly hard. People in the community talk about this program, and the first thing they always say is that they are just relentless workers, and that's something that I'm proud of, and I know that they are as well.”

A shot off the foot of Saint Mark’s sophomore Scott McDermott in the 64th minute resulted in the lone goal of the contest. Sussex Academy took the concession in stride and began seeking the equalizer. 

All-American George Sapna’s first-half attempt was probably the best scoring chance the Seahawks had, but Spartans keeper Thomas Swasey came up big for his team. In the closing 15 minutes of the game, Sussex Academy inched closer and closer. Hardworking Jesse Jean-Louis nearly knocked one in, and his classmates Liam Stegall and Noah Benz fought to keep control along the right flank.

“We worked really hard over the last few years to be where we are, and I can't speak much more on how proud I am of these guys,” Dina said.

Chase Ballinger came close on another attempt, but the Seahawks just couldn’t crack the code.

Goalkeeper Austin Taylor and center backs Ben Steimel and Carson Klahr moved up on a corner kick, highlighting the urgency that was needed. Junior Brandon Jaimes lifted a ball over the horde in front of the goal and found Klahr ready to receive. His header nearly found its way across the goal line, but McDermott clinched player of the game with a saving header of his own.

Believe it or not, a new rule in Delaware soccer this year requires all games to end at 0:00, regardless of situation. That played a part in the final, as the whistle was blown as the Seahawks prepared to kick a corner.

While the memories of their previous two campaigns will offer some comfort in the future, it was clear just how much this game meant to the most successful senior class in program history.

It was one year ago on the same field when the varsity story of Austin Taylor began, as the then-junior was called on to and performed successfully a save in penalties, contributing in a major way to that title. Taylor stood on his head again this season, stretching his body to keep the net clean and clear in the first half while never hesitating to come off his line. 

“He's an incredible goalkeeper,” Dina said. “You look at where he started and where he is now … he should never hang his head. The kid is incredibly coachable and worked so hard. I can't ask for anything better.”

Taylor and Jean-Louis, close friends, were two of the last players up off the turf as Dina and his coaching staff picked the lads up. Sapna consoled freshman Alex Horner and then joined Ben Steimel as the two captains led the Seahawks to their fans for one last time.