Offensive explosion guides Newton boys past SE Polk

PLEASANT HILL — Three goals in five minutes and four in 17 highlighted the Newton boys’ soccer team’s road victory over Southeast Polk on Friday.

The Cardinals scored all four of their goals in the first half and cruised to a 4-1 non-conference triumph over the Class 4A Rams.

“We haven’t always been great on the road in recent years,” Newton head boys soccer coach Zach Jensen said. “Any time you can get one like that on the road is fantastic.”

Jesus Murillo kicked off the scoring with his first career varsity goal in the 6th minute. The goal was assisted by Bryen Hernandez.

Christian Lawson scored the next two goals in the 9th minute and 11th minute to put Newton up 3-0. Those scores were assisted by Jacob Sweeney and Caleb Mattes, respectively.

“I thought we had them rattled,” Jensen said. “It seemed like they didn’t know what to do. We had a good scout, and the guys bought into the system we wanted to run. We defended a lot in the second half, but we defended well.”

Mattes, the leader of the defense, scored again for the Cardinals. This time, his goal in the 23rd minute made it 4-0.

The goal by Mattes was his team-best fourth this spring. Lawson now has three goals and five assists for a team-high 11 points.

Newton (4-2) registered 15 shots and placed nine on goal. Hunter Teague stopped 12 of Southeast Polk’s 13 shots on goal.

The 12 saves were a career-high for Teague. His 46 saves this spring ranks third in 3A.

The Rams’ lone goal came from Josh Wilson off a free kick in the 44th minute. Southeast Polk dropped to 1-1 on the season.

“It was a talking point for us,” Jensen said. “We had been getting a lot of shots but not many were ending up on target. We placed the ball better tonight.

“Hunter had things under control. We weren’t really threatened that much, and Hunter has played well for us this year.”