March 29, 2024

Injury-plagued Cardinals fall to Southeast Polk on the pitch

Newton scores first, lose to Rams on the road

PLEASANT HILL — Newton’s boys soccer team played its fifth match in seven days when the Cardinals traveled to play Southeast Polk in the rain on Thursday.

The Rams were playing their first match of the season, and they rallied past Newton with two second-half goals during a 2-1 home win.

“I am so proud of the guys,” Newton boys soccer coach Zach Jensen said. “We battled. I couldn’t ask for anything more. It just didn’t fall our way.”

Class 2A No. 10 Newton dropped to 2-3 on the season but has played with or through several injuries.

Derek Lanser continues to miss time with an injury, while Darara Dawassa, Christian Lawson, Caleb Lawson, Parker Aalbers and Josh Meyer played through injuries suffered either in the match or prior to the match.

Playing in so many matches over the course of a week is not ideal either.

“I don’t like playing so many games in a seven-day period like that,” Jensen said. “The state of Iowa says that’s OK, but I don’t think that’s how soccer is supposed to be played.”

The Cardinals led 1-0 after Jack Suttek scored with 28:51 to play in the half. It was Suttek’s team-leading third goal of the spring.

The Rams (1-0) scored early in the second half to tie it and then won it with a second goal midway through the final 40 minutes.

“We’re playing short-handed,” Jensen said. “We used one bench player. Guys are playing through injuries and giving me everything they have.”

Caleb Lawson made six saves in goal for the Cardinals. Newton took four shots, two shots on goal and attempted two corner kicks.