It’s never easy to play the top-ranked boys’ soccer team in the state.
But when that squad is coming off its first loss of the season, the degree of difficulty likely goes up exponentially.
That was the situation facing Ankeny on Thursday as No. 1 Dowling Catholic looked to rebound from Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to No. 12 Johnston. The visiting Maroons overcame a brace by Landon Benge to post a 4-2 victory, spoiling the Hawks’ Senior Night.
“They’re a strong squad,” Ankeny coach Marcus Varnum said of the Maroons. “I think they may have been missing a couple of guys (on Tuesday) that make a pretty big impact on their squad. They’re a very dangerous team that can really move the ball. We knew they were going to come in and be ready to go.”
Jonathan Mendez and Enrico Sartori-Fernandes each had a pair of goals for Dowling, which also got three assists from Andrew Schumacher. The Maroons improved to 2-1 in the CIML Conference and 6-1 overall, while Ankeny’s records dropped to 1-3 and 3-6.
The loss ended the Hawks’ three-game winning streak.
“It was another game where we found a team within ourselves that was going to battle,” Varnum said. “We faced a strong opponent with little fear, so that was good to see from the boys.”
After Dowling took a 1-0 lead about 10 minutes into the game, Benge responded with an equalizer shortly thereafter.
“We continue to have good responses,” Varnum said. “That’s the tone we want to set each and every game.”
The Maroons built a 3-1 halftime lead, but Ankeny later cut the deficit in half when Benge scored his second goal off a long pass in the 68th minute. It was his team-leading 10th goal of the season.
Cal Wahlberg and Carsen Broich each had an assist in the loss. Wahlberg is one of four freshmen playing key roles for the Hawks.
“Our young guys have really gained some confidence and are learning what it takes to play at this level,” Varnum said. “We’re taking steps forward.”
Dowling eventually sealed the win when Mendez scored off a direct kick in the 74th minute.
Ankeny will travel to Waukee Northwest on Tuesday to play another conference game against the No. 3 Wolves (6-1). The Hawks will be looking to avenge last year’s 2-1 loss in the Class 3A quarterfinals.
“Every game is a battle, and that’s the story of this year,” Varnum said. “We know we have to keep this mentality and show no fear.”