LINWOOD – The annual boys soccer game between Mainland Regional High School and Ocean City High School got off to a frantic start.
Both teams came out firing on offense and scored all three of the game’s goals in the first 15 minutes.
James Breitinger gave the Mainland Mustangs the lead in the 15th minute and never looked back as they took down the Ocean City Red Raiders 2-1 on Sept. 8.
“I knew we were not going to sleep on these guys and any time with a rivalry game you never know what is going to happen,” Mainland head coach Alex Weidman said. “I was glad that we got in there and settled in. It was pretty hectic out there at the start, but we just have to ride those waves. I think this team has some senior leadership and we leaned on that to get us through the game.”
Cole Stefano got the Mustangs started with a solo shot in the fifth minute. He was one-on-one with his defender before he spun free and got a shot past Raider goalie Eddie Fuller. Along with the senior Breitinger, Stefano has now also scored in both of Mainland’s games this season.
Breitinger’s goal was assisted by senior David O’Donnell. They are two of the many seniors in the lineup for a battle-tested Mustang squad.
“The boys talk about it a lot,” Weidman said about his team’s experience. “Those guys are not only seniors but have played 2-3 years now and I think they are out to prove that we belong in this division and are here to make some noise.”
The Raiders responded to Stefano’s score quickly and made a run towards the Mustangs’ side of the field. On his way towards the goal, Sam Benson was fouled and was awarded a penalty kick in the tenth minute. He converted the penalty shot into the Raiders’ first goal of the season.
It was a day of firsts for Ocean City, as it was not just the first game of the season, but also the first game under new head coach Kevin Nuss. Nuss was brought on board after many years as the coach and sporting director of the Ocean City Nor’easters in the United Soccer League Two.
“It was a good first 80 minutes. The performance was there and I think we did a lot of things we were looking to do today,” Nuss said, when asked about his biggest takeaways from the game. “In terms of our performance, it was good start, but in terms of the result it was disappointing against a rival, but we have a chance to play them again and right that wrong. But for me as a first high school game getting adjusted to things it was a good start.”
The two teams will meet up at least once more this season back in Ocean City on Oct. 1, where the Raiders will look to build upon a strong-looking second half.
Ocean City made a late push to try to tie the game with around ten minutes left and started to pelt Mainland goalie Brandon Dionicio with shots.
The Raiders put four shots on goal in the closing moments, but Dionicio got his hands on every one and denied the game-tying goal.
After the game, Dionicio talked about the Mustangs’ defense and the road ahead for his team.
“My guys played really good today and I have so much faith in them,” Dionicio said. “I think we can be really strong this year. This was a big win for us ahead of a tough weekend.”
Next up for the Mustangs is a tough stretch of games that begins on Sept. 10 on the road against the team that eliminated them the playoffs last year – Timber Creek Regional High School. Later in the week Mainland will host reining Cape-Atlantic League champion St. Augustine Prep Sept. 12. Both games are set for 4 p.m.
Ocean City only has one game on the docket for this week, an 11 a.m. tilt against Williamstown on Sept. 13. It will be the Raiders’ first home game of the season before they hit the road next week against Hammonton and St. Augustine.
– STORY by WILLIAM TRUITT/For the Sentinel
– PHOTOS by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
