Newton boys fall to SEP for first soccer loss

Nate Lampe scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season, but the Newton boys soccer team suffered its first loss of the spring after allowing two goals in the final 30 minutes of the match on Thursday.

Lampe’s goal on a free kick from about 25 yards out gave the Cardinals a lead, but Southeast Polk rallied to win the non-conference match, 2-1, at H.A. Lynn Stadium.

“We battled. I’m proud of our fight,” Newton head boys soccer coach Zach Jensen said. “We just didn’t put our chances away and they did.”

Newton had a 17-9 advantage in shots and an 11-7 surplus in shots on goal.

The match was scoreless at halftime. Lampe’s goal in the 47th minute put Newton (5-1) in front.

Southeast Polk was awarded a penalty kick following a hand ball in the box and Jacob Luna converted it in the 51st minute to even the score.

Cole Skinner’s fifth goal of the season came on a header to the back post following a free kick in the 64th minute.

“We had the opportunities to win this match, we just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net,” Jensen said. “It takes focus to put it on frame and then to put it past the keeper. Once we figure it out, we’ll be OK.”

Hunter Teague made six saves in the loss. His 33 saves this season rank ninth in the state.

“It was probably the best game of Hunter’s career,” Jensen said. “He made two or three big saves that kept us in the game.”

Mazin Arafa had 10 saves for Southeast Polk, which improved to 4-0 on the season.