Overcoming a slow start, the Ankeny boys’ soccer team remained unbeaten with an 8-0 victory at Mason City on Tuesday.
The top-ranked Hawks led by just 1-0 at halftime, but then erupted for seven goals in the second half. They improved to 2-0 in the CIML Iowa Conference and 11-0 overall, while Mason City’s records dropped to 0-3 and 0-7.
“We didn’t get the start that we wanted, but we were creating chances and had many opportunities,” said Ankeny coach Marcus Varnum. “We just couldn’t capitalize until we got the momentum going early in the second half.”
Lucas Newhard led Ankeny with four goals. He now has 22 on the season, which ranks second in the state behind Truman Unruh of Cedar Falls–who has 28.
Conor Wahlberg had a pair of goals, while Brian Jimenez and Landon Benge each added one.
“We’re getting to the point in the season where we really want to hit our stride, and with this result, getting multiple scorers on the score sheet and a couple of guys with multiple goals, it’s what we are looking to do,” Varnum said.
Isaac O’Toole contributed three assists for the Hawks, and Avry Olson had two. Benge and Mason Yeatts each added one.
Mason City had lost both of its previous conference games by a 10-0 margin. The team has yet to score a goal this season.
“The boys are excited to continue to get successful results, but we’re also ready to get back to training and continue to prepare for our next contests,” Varnum said.
The Hawks will host a non-conference game against Ottumwa (2-4) on Thursday.