Big second half propels Newton boys past Pella Christian

PELLA — Once Newton’s boys soccer team had the wind at its back, it was able to pull away from Pella Christian.

The Cardinals led 1-0 at halftime after playing against the wind but pulled away in the final 40 minutes during a 4-0 road triumph over the Eagles in a Little Hawkeye Conference matchup on Tuesday.

“We played our game in the second half,” Newton boys soccer coach Zach Jensen said. “Really proud of our play in the second half. It was beautiful soccer and our best play to pattern play of the year.”

Jack Suttek regained the team lead with his fifth goal of the season in the first half. Parker Aalbers, Breyton Schwenker and Derek Beiner all scored goals in the second half for the Cardinals.

It was Newton’s fourth straight win over Pella Christian and the Cardinals (6-6 overall, 2-3 in the LHC) are 8-2 against the Eagles (2-8, 0-5) since 2011.

“It was good to get on the board tonight,” Jensen said. “We have a tough week ahead of us. This was an important win. We still have a lot to play for.”

The win by Newton was its second in a row. The Cardinals have had three two-match win streaks this season but have yet to claim three straight wins.

Newton scored four goals on its 13 shots on goal and took 31 shots in all.

Aalbers’ fourth goal of the season made it 2-0. He added two assists later. Aalbers and Suttek now have a team-best 11 points this spring.

Schwenker scored his first goal of the season on a header off a corner kick from Aalbers.

Beiner’s fourth goal of the year made it 4-0 and it came on a header off a throw in by Aalbers. Beiner also delivered his team-leading fourth assist of the season. Jacob Sweeney also had an assist.

Keeper Caleb Lawson played 68 minutes in goal and had two saves. Hunter Teague was the keeper for the final 12 minutes.