NEVADA — Newton High’s Cardinal boys were 1-2 in soccer action Saturday at the Nevada tournament. The Cardinals are 7-7 overall.
Newton plays at Class 2A No. 7 Pella in Little Hawkeye Conference action Tuesday.
The Cardinals dropped a 2-1 decision to Class 1A No. 8 Gilbert to open Saturday’s tournament. Newton was down 2-0 at halftime.
Garrett Sturtz scored with one minute remaining in the game for Newton on an assist by Josh Gulling. Newton had three shots on goal in the game and had one corner kick opportunity.
Grant Davidson was credited with five saves.
“Gilbert scored two quick goals and we couldn’t recover from the deficit,” said Sackda Viravong, Newton head coach. “We didn’t win a lot of the 50/50 balls in the midfield, which meant our defense had to face too many counter attacks.”
The Cardinals regrouped to play a tough match against North Polk. With 2:24 left in the game, Josh Ventling broke the scoreless tie with a goal for Newton on a pass from Duncan Lee.
“We dominated the possession game and shots on goal, but couldn’t find the net until late,” Viravong said. “We played most of the game in our end of the field. We were fortunate not having to go to a shootout.”
Newton put 11 shots on goal against North Polk and had four corner kick opportunities. Davidson was in goal again, making three saves.
Following a 30-minute break, the Cardinals took on Marshalltown and lost 4-1. Newton’s goal was scored on a miscue by the Bobcat goalkeeper.
Marshalltown led 2-0 at halftime and was up 3-0. Viravong said the Bobcat goalie couldn’t clear the ball out from a back pass from a teammate and the ball ended up in the net with 9:20 left in the second half.
Newton had three shots on goal and two corner kicks. Davidson had seven saves in the game.
“Some players were hurt and we didn’t recover well from the previous two games,” Viravong said. “We were playing on empty tanks, but managed to push forward and the guys gave it their best.”