The Newton Eagles boys soccer team closed out its regular season with a 2-0 victory over Salem on Thursday, extending its unbeaten streak to seven games and finishing the season with an 11-5-4 record.
After a scoreless first half, Newton found its rhythm offensively in the second half, keeping Salem pinned in its own end for extended stretches.
The Eagles created two clear-cut scoring opportunities in the first half, but both attempts were turned away by the Wildcats’ goalkeeper. Neither team was able to break through before halftime.
Newton came out aggressively after the break, and the sustained pressure eventually paid off. Brock Anderson delivered an intricate through ball into the penalty area, finding Henry Will, who beat his defender and calmly slotted the ball into the far post to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.
Salem pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Newton’s defense held firm. Cylas Dickerson and Brett Bower helped shut down the Wildcats’ opportunities with strong clearances and physical defensive play.
The Eagles added an insurance goal when Will delivered a long throw into the box. Oliver Ochs timed his jump perfectly and headed the ball into the net to extend Newton’s advantage to 2-0 and seal the victory.
Goalkeeper Curtis Weber recorded his fifth clean sheet of the season as Newton completed the shutout.
The Eagles now turn their attention to the postseason, where they are scheduled to face either Vandalia or Effingham in the regional semifinals Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m.
With seven consecutive games without a loss, Newton enters the postseason looking to carry its momentum into the regional tournament.
