March 28, 2024

Newton boys defeat Oskaloosa

OSKALOOSA — Quick starts and finishing opportunities are two keys to a four-game winning streak by the Newton High boys’ soccer team.

The Cardinals notched their third Little Hawkeye Conference victory on Tuesday with a 5-1 decision against host Oskaloosa. Newton built a 4-0 lead before the Indians scored in the second half.

“We’re starting off early in games right now. Last year, and earlier this season, it took us awhile to get into the flow of the game,” Newton head coach Zach Jensen said. “Tonight, we played up tempo and put pressure on Oskaloosa quick.”

Senior Matthew Yeager turned a free kick by junior Ty Arguello into a goal with 23:15 left in the first half. It started a three-goal run by the Cardinals.

Preston Sherwood, a senior, found the net with 20:26 left. Junior Taylor Greiner scored off a pass from Yeager to make it 3-0 and that’s where it stood at halftime

Arguello’s throw-in became Yeager’s second goal of the game at the 32:02 mark of the second half. Oskaloosa’s Logan Lockard scored to make it 4-1.

“It was a good win. We did see some tired legs on the guys after playing on Monday night,” Jensen said. “We’re gelling as a team and we’re battling through things like tired legs and finishing the chances we had.”

The final goal of the night came with 10 minutes left in the game. Newton sophomore William Cheng scored off a pass from junior Jacob Murphy.

Yeager leads the Cardinals with eight goals this season. Murphy has a team-high six assists.

Newton senior goalkeeper Benny Cheng had five saves. Sophomore Gage Linahon made one save in goal.

The Cardinals improved to 3-1 in LHC play and 6-3 overall.

“Our goal this week is to go 3-0. We’ll have short practice on Wednesday, get some rest and get ready for a tough game against ADM on Thursday,” Jensen said.

Newton hosts Class 2A No. 7 Adel-DeSoto-Minburn (5-0) in a 7 p.m. game on Thursday at H.A. Lynn Stadium.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535 or jsheets@newtondailynews.com