Class 4A No. 2 Johnston too much for Newton boys soccer

Class 4A No. 2 Johnston built a halftime lead the Newton boys’ soccer team couldn’t overcome during a non-conference match on Friday at H.A. Lynn Stadium.

The 3A No. 11 Cardinals trailed by two goals at halftime and were shut out in the second half during a 5-1 loss to the Dragons.

“They are a good squad with lots of club players,” Newton head boys soccer coach Zach Jensen said. “We had some chances, but we made too many communication errors and we lacked the passion we needed. We played with too much fear.”

Christian Lawson scored the team’s lone goal and it came off an assist from Jacob Sweeney. It was Lawson’s team-best ninth goal of the spring and Sweeney delivered his fifth assist. Newton put four of its 10 shots on goal.

Johnston (10-2) got three goals from Kody Ngo. Hunter Teague stopped 14 Dragon shots and now ranks fourth in 3A with 101 saves.

Newton had the services of team captains Cody Klein and Nate Lampe for only the first half. The Cardinal duo also competed in the boys’ 4x400 relay at the Drake Relays later that night.

“I think the guys saw there’s another level of soccer to get to,” Jensen said. “They dominated us. But I think we can play with anyone.”