Saint Mark’s beats undefeated Sussex Academy

After coming of the heels of a tough loss to Caravel earlier in the week, the Saint Mark’s girls’ soccer team came out on a mission. If anyone was questioning how they responded to their 1-0 loss in overtime earlier in the week, they quickly put any doubt to rest scoring two goals in the first 9 minutes of their contest against the 8-0 Sussex Academy.

After a quick turnover in the Spartans offensive 3rd, Emma Manley found the ball at her feet sandwiched between two defenders at the top of the 18-yard box. Despite the defensive pressure, Manley was able to break away for a shot from about 10 yards out that found the back of the net. This was only the 4th goal given up by the Sussex Academy squad this entire season as they came in scoring 40 goals while only allowing 3.

Then in the 10th minute, the Spartans Whitney Evancho settled a pass at her feet about 30 yards out then turned and fired a left footed strike right into the back of the net, catching the Seawhawk keeper on her heels. The goal put the Spartans up 2-0 and forced the visiting team to play from behind the rest of the game.

The Seahawks had a bit of a resurgence early in the second half as they placed continuous pressure on the Saint Marks defense, but all without earning any legitimate scoring opportunities. With 28 minutes to go in the match, Lily Phillips sent a pass deep into the corner finding a streaking Emma Manley who, despite an awkward angle, sent a low shot back across the Seahawk keeper beating her goal side for a 3-0 advantage.

Five minutes later, Lily Phillips sent a right footed corner kick into the 6-yard box and found sophomore Gianna DiFeebo who redirected the ball pass a diving keeper for the home teams fourth goal of the contest and the final as they walked way with a 4-0 victory.

The Spartans handed the Seahawks their first lost of the season. Sussex Academy will now have a short turn around and have to face Caravel who remains unbeaten after their victory over Saint Mark’s earlier in the week. The Spartans will welcome Archmere on Tuesday.