Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s boys’ soccer team battled Norfolk Collegiate on the road to a 2-2 tie on Tuesday. Bennett Miller scored both goals for the Saints.

Last week NSA, could not compete in any games due to weather. But the Saints did not allow the week-and-a-half layoff to affect their effort against Norfolk Collegiate Tuesday evening. A strong first-half effort saw the Saints go up 2-0 and lead for most of the game.

“Our team played well,” coach Patrick Whelan said. “We showed how strong we can be in the back, with our defense winning a number of tackles and starting to counterattack.”

Christian Berner was a bright spot for the team, as he did some good things at the sweeper position. Whelan also felt NSA’s midfield was solid against Norfolk Collegiate.

“Our midfield was at the best it’s been all season,” Whelan said. “We connected on a lot of passes, created space and dictated the tempo of the game.”

Freshman Bennett Miller led the way for NSA, with two goals scored. Miller gave credit to his teammates for creating the ball movement to put him in place to score both of his goals.

“I felt really good about my performance,” Miller said. “I give credit to my teammates. I just continue to hope to perform this well in upcoming games to continue to help my team.”

In the second half, a couple of Saints mistakes allowed Norfolk Collegiate to build momentum. NSA also suffered an unlucky bounce of the ball for a goal. Also, the Saints lost senior Garrett Leicester due to a red card, which led to them playing a man down.

“We showed our tenacity and resilience in finishing with a draw, but the lads have got to feel bittersweet about the result,” Whelan said about the outcome of the game.

“We made some mistakes that cost us in critical areas,” senior Gustav Berner said. “It made it tough for us to counter, but we managed to hold on for the tie.”

All things considered, the Saints felt overall they played well for what they had to overcome.

“I think we played well for 60 minutes,” goalie Max Harvey said. “We were moving the ball really well. Our effort showed that we can at least contend with good teams. I like our chances going forward.”

The tie puts NSA at 2-6-2 on the year so far. For the rest of the season, the Saints will be playing conference teams. Next is a home game against Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School at 4:30 p.m. today.

NSA 2, Norfolk Collegiate 2
NSA goals — Miller (2)