The Newton Eagles battled the Teutopolis Wooden Shoes to a physical 1-1 draw at home.
Newton created several opportunities in the opening half, particularly down the left side of the field. Brock Anderson repeatedly worked his way into dangerous positions, but the Teutopolis goalkeeper turned away his attempts.
The Wooden Shoes generated a few chances of their own through their direct style of play, but neither team was able to break through before halftime, sending the teams into the break tied 0-0.
Newton finally found the breakthrough about 10 minutes into the second half. Anderson twisted his way through Teutopolis’ diamond-shaped back four before finishing to the far post with his left foot to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.
The Wooden Shoes answered with a goal of their own off a long throw-in. After Newton was unable to fully clear the ball, it bounced in front of a Teutopolis player, who volleyed the ball into the upper-right corner to level the match.
The Eagles continued to pressure the Shoes and created several additional opportunities, including chances off long throw-ins, but were unable to find a second goal as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Newton will return to action Friday at the Mattoon Tournament, facing the Lincoln Railsplitters at 4 p.m. The Eagles will play twice Saturday, meeting the Mattoon Green Wave at 8:30 a.m. before closing out the tournament with a noon kickoff against the Olney Tigers.
