The Cape boys’ soccer team dropped its first away game of the 2024 season Sept. 5, losing to Appoquinimink 2-0 in Middletown.

A free kick taken by Jack Talley near midfield in the 30th minute found its way into the back of the net off the foot of Hridayaesh Balaji after Cape keeper Jake Hutchison had to deal with a blinding sun during the set piece. 

Minutes later, Lawson Whaley, who had a few timely recoveries already, was just a bit late on a slide tackle. The Jaguars had a chance to double their lead on the penalty kick awarded, but they were stoned by Hutchison, who was now the last line of defense for a 10-man Vikings squad after Whaley was sent off. The captain was called on again to make two quick saves on another Appoquinimink scoring chance minutes after the penalty.

“Jake made a single mistake in the first half and then came back and saved us on three different occasions – two fast-break saves and a PK,” Cape coach Patrick Kilby said.

Cape had a few first-half chances but was kept off the board, leading to a few adjustments at the break for the shorthanded Vikings.

“We played a 1-3-4-1 and let Cardin [Benjamin] press the heck out of their back line, and he did a great job,” Kilby said. “We just didn't get it done.”

Unfortunately, Benjamin suffered an injury in the 63rd minute. Only seconds had passed since the captain left the pitch when the Jaguars earned a corner kick and scored on the set piece.

The insurance goal proved unnecessary as Appoquinimink shut off the faucet to earn a 2-0 win. Though it was a tough loss, Kilby believes his team performed well all things considered.

“The boys played really well,” Kilby said. “We didn't give up any goals in the flow of play; we gave up two set pieces – I'm very pleased.”

Cape looks to get its first win of the season at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10, against southern rival Indian River. The lads are hosting Fred Thomas Middle School Night at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12, when they take on Smryna at Legends Stadium.