Soccer- CHC 2, Norfolk Academy 0

With opposing styles on full display, the Dolphins hosted the Bulldogs from Norfolk Academy on Monday night with Cape Henry taking an early lead. The Dolphins, playing true to the Cape Henry brand of soccer, built possession from the defensive third while connecting passes into space. Minutes into the first half, the Bulldogs’ fast and aggressive style of play gave the Dolphins an opportunity to take an early lead when Wladimir Gassant was fouled inside the 18 after beating a Norfolk Academy defender. The foul inside the box resulted in a penalty kick for Cape Henry. Stepping up to the 12, George Selamaj buried the ball into the back of the net and gave Cape Henry the 1-0 lead. Possession remained with the Dolphins for much of the first half, with Academy occasionally threatening on counter attacks; however, the back line of Carter Atherton, L.T., Konrad Keenan, Connor Garrison, and goalie John Ermini thwarted each of the Bulldog opportunities in Cape Henry’s defensive third. As a result, the Dolphins carried the 1-0 lead into halftime. Cape Henry returned to the pitch for the second half with an emphasis on controlling possession and limiting Academy’s opportunity to boot the ball forward from the back line in order to catch the Dolphins on a counter. The Dolphins executed the game plan flawlessly, and in a masterful suggestion from Assistant Coach Brian Facemire, Colin Sharp entered the game to wear down the Bulldog defenders. With 15 minutes remaining in play, Facemire’s suggestion paid dividends as Colin was on the receiving end of Mason Dudley’s pass across the goalmouth. Sharp tucked in the second score of the night for Cape Henry and gave the Dolphins an insurance goal, bringing the tally to 2-0. The Dolphins held the Bulldogs scoreless throughout the night with John Ermini earning the shutout, and as a result, the Dolphins remained undefeated in conference play. The Dolphins (9-2) turn around quickly and will travel to Nansemond Suffolk Academy tonight for a 4:00 pm kickoff.