Diaz scores late, lifts Dukes past Sussex

VINELAND - Nothing has come easy for the RCSJ-Cumberland Dukes Mens Soccer program and their first win against Sussex Co. in over a decade certainly did not come easy.  The Dukes found themselves down 2-0 after lackluster play led to two quick strikes by the visiting Skylanders.  However, the Dukes found their game and eventually scored late in the first half on a terrific goal by Dom Russell.  

In the second half, the Dukes missed chance after chance as it the clock ticked away leaving Cumberland with the thought of yet another win slipping away.  Brayden Birnstiel gave the Dukes a jolt with a strike just outside the 18-yard box to tie the game at 2 with less than 10 minutes to go.  Again the Dukes came close to taking the lead but could not convert.  Finally, with just under a minute to go, Shane Graham delivered a punt that would find Jesus Ramirez's foot.  Ramirez would flick the ball ahead to Allan Lopez as he was galloping down the right wing.  Lopez, who dominated the wing the entire match, delivered a pass to the cutting Donato Diaz who slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to give the Dukes a 3-2 lead with under 40 seconds to go.

The win is the Dukes first against Sussex in over a decade and are now firmly in the postseason picture.  They return to the action on Saturday, October 4 as they travel to Harrisburg Area CC to take on the Hawks in Harrisburg, PA.  Kickoff slated for 1 PM.