Southeast Polk too much for Newton boys soccer

ALTOONA — Newton head boys soccer coach Zach Jensen was pretty happy with the way his Cardinal squad played in the first half of their non-conference contest against Southeast Polk on Thursday.

Newton trailed 1-0 after 40 minutes and the Rams’ goal came on a penalty kick.

However, Southeast Polk scored three times in the span of 10 minutes in the second half and downed the Cardinals, 4-0, at home.

“We were happy at halftime,” Jensen said. “It was 1-0 on a PK goal. But we have to figure out how to battle and play through it when we get down by a few goals.”

The penalty kick came in the 33rd minute. And Southeast Polk added goals in the 58th, 59th and 67th minute.

The Rams (4-3-2) posted their second straight shutout, and they had a 39-8 advantage in shots and a 23-3 surplus in shots on goal.

Cole Skinner led the Rams with two goals, while Samuel Wilson dished out two assists.

“Southeast Polk struggled to break down our new defensive formation in the first half,” Jensen said. “I was impressed with that. We had some opportunities in both halves, but we can’t hit the big square on the field very much right now.

“(Southeast Polk) subbed in six guys at a time. We just don’t have that kind of depth. That’s part of it though.”

Newton (3-5-2) got 19 saves from Javin Doland, who ranks second in Class 3A with 128 this spring.