The Ankeny boys’ soccer team got a much-needed victory on Saturday by defeating Ames, 3-0, at the Valley Invitational.
The Hawks scored all three of their goals in the second half.
“The wind was a big factor,” said Ankeny coach Trevor Fuccio. “We defended well in the first half and then took advantage of the wind in the second half.”
Keaton Kobow had two of Ankeny’s goals. He has now scored five of the Hawks’ nine goals this season.
Alberto Romero-Rodriquez also had a goal. He became the first player other than Kobow or Cal Wahlberg to find the net for Fuccio’s team.
Wahlberg added a pair of assists, giving him five on the season. Goalkeeper Jackson Dockendorff made three saves as Ankeny recorded its first shutout.
The Hawks improved their record to 2-3 while handing Ames its first loss. The Little Cyclones, who reached the Class 4A semifinals a year ago, dropped to 3-1-2.
“The boys played a very complete performance today,” Fuccio said. “Hopefully, this is a result that we look back on as a foundation for what we need to do to be successful. Especially with a very difficult week ahead of us.”
Ankeny will play a CIML Conference game at defending Class 4A runner-up Johnston on Tuesday. The Dragons (2-0, 4-0) have allowed only one goal this season.