Delaware Rising tripped up by Susserfuss in NOSL Championship

Delaware Rising defender Kendra Kovacs pushes into the final third during the second half of Saturday’s NOSL Championship. Photo by: Ralph Schudel

ASHLAND, Ohio — Delaware Rising’s quest for a second Northern Ohio Soccer League (NOSL) championship came to an end Saturday, falling 1-0 to Susserfuss-Ballverein in the league title match.

Susserfuss broke the deadlock in the 37th minute after being awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. The Harlequins’ attempt forced Rising goalkeeper Ella Schwertfager (Otterbein) to her left. She managed to get a hand on the shot, but the ball slipped through her fingertips and found the back of the net.

Delaware responded with an improved second-half performance, gradually building momentum and putting sustained pressure on the Susserfuss back line. Defender Kendra Kovacs (Capital) pushed forward to join the attack as Rising continued to probe around the penalty area in search of an equalizer.

Despite controlling long stretches of the second half and creating dangerous opportunities, the top-seeded Rising were unable to find the breakthrough before the final whistle, as Susserfuss-Ballverein claimed the NOSL championship with a 1-0 victory.