The Saints boys’ soccer team earned a 10-0 shutout in its first game of the season.

The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy boys’ soccer team started off its season 1-0 with a road win over Stonebridge School. The Saints had to start their season a week behind schedule because of excessive heat. When they finally got on the field, it didn’t look like the Saints were rusty by any means.

“I’m proud of how our team played on Tuesday against Stonebridge,” Coach Patrick Whelan said. “It was our first game of the season, it was incredibly hot, and yet we looked sharp and fit out there. It was an overall solid team performance, taking into account a clean sheet and the number of goals scored.”

Bennett Miller added two goals and two assists to lead the Saints. Adrian Watts added two goals and an assist as well.

NSA has a multitude of newcomers and returners Whelan believes can help make for a good season. Players like Parker Bono, Luke Jackson and Watts all return for the Saints. The seniors will be a vital part of whatever team success the Saints have.

There are no set expectations for the team this season; however, Whelan mentioned just wanting his players to play the best they can every game.

“If we play as well as we can each and every game, then it will be a successful season no matter what the results,” he said. “We have an incredible group of players from our seniors down to our eighth-grader, and I look forward to watching them play well, have some fun and see what we can do out there.”

NSA will face Peninsula Catholic High School at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

NSA 10, Stonebridge 0

NSA: Miller 2, Watts 2, Dennis, Knierbein, Ward, Bergeron, Jackson, Clarke; Assists—Miller 2, Dennis 2, Watts, Clarke, Dowd; Shutout—Walters 3, Yeatts