Ocean City Dominates in Shutout Soccer Win

By LESLEY GRAHAM The Ocean City Red Raiders girls soccer team continued its unbeaten streak this season with a 5-0 victory Friday over the visiting Absegami Braves. The win brings Ocean City to 4-0, while Absegami drops to 3-3. Summer Reimet led all scorers with three goals and an assist. Adding to the Raiders scoring were McKenna Chisholm and Joy Slimmer, with one goal each. Naomi Nnewihe had two assists and Hope Slimmer rounded out the scoring with an assist of her own. As the game got underway, Ocean City was able to quickly find the back of the net with less than three minutes ticked off the clock. Hope Slimmer (red uniform foreground) turns to see the play. Giving themselves a 1-0 lead, the Raiders began their dominant possession that led to an additional two goals in the first half. Ocean City would take a comfortable three-goal lead into halftime with the help of strong offensive pushes and solid defensive stands. As the second half began, the Red Raiders were once again able to showcase their offensive skills that have contributed to their winning ways this season. Joy Slimmer netted her goal with 20 minutes to play and Summer Reimet rounded out her hat trick with just under nine minutes left in the game. Ocean City Head Coach Lisa Cuneo has been proud of her team’s effort and focus this season, after having to shuffle the schedule around and losing a few games to COVID protocols and weather, she said. Naomi Nnewihe (14) battles for position. The Red Raiders have outscored their opponents 19-1 so far this season, continuing the trend from last season when the Raiders went 11-0-1 and finished with a dominant 77 goals. And although offense wins games, Cuneo is quick to mention the strength of her defense. “Every win is a total team effort, regardless of what the stat line may end up being. Our players, whether starters or off the bench, work hard every day,” Cuneo said. The stifling defense, led by junior goalkeeper Tori Vliet, has allowed only one goal this season. “A lot of the time, we talk about how strong we are offensively and that’s what gets written about post game. And it’s true we are,” Cuneo said. “But we also have a dominant defense that allows our offense to shine by limiting opponents’ shots, taking the ball away and playing smart, scrappy aggressive soccer.” The Red Raiders will be back in action on Monday as they take on Oakcrest. Summer Reimet (20) prepares to play the ball.