The varsity soccer team played arguably its best game of the season in a 1-0 defeat to Norfolk Academy Thursday afternoon.

NA is now 13-0-1 and ranked third in the latest state poll, and the Saints gave the Bulldogs all they could handle. NA escaped scoring in stoppage time (around the 91st minute) on a ball that deflected off of the STC defense - a bounce that went NA's way.

The Saints didn't get so lucky, but it wasn't for trying. Of STC's 12 shots, eight were on goal, probably the team's best ratio of the season, according to coach Jay Wood.

"I am pleased because we played with intensity and purpose," Wood said. "While our execution wasn't always perfect, I thought we dealt well with the pressure NA produced. 

"Norfolk was certainly a worthy opponent, one that has been beating up on a number of their opponents this season. I credit NA with staying in the game long enough and hard enough to snatch a goal in the 91st minute."

The lads have three games next week, two away (Benedictine Tuesday, Cape Henry Collegiate Friday) and one on Fall Festival against Steward.

Nor. Academy 0 1 — 1