Perhaps no team in the state will play a more difficult schedule this week than the Ankeny boys’ soccer squad.
The Hawks traveled to Johnston on Tuesday to face the top-ranked Dragons and suffered a 4-0 loss in the CIML Conference game.
“We created half chances, but for the most part we were outplayed,” said Ankeny coach Trevor Fuccio.
Johnston built a 2-0 halftime lead, then added two more goals in the second half. Sam Daniels, Torlawoe Monger, Irahari Ruremesha and Mmasa Lumona each had a goal for the Dragons.
The Hawks managed just five shots, including two apiece by Keaton Kobow and Cal Wahlberg. They were unable to find the net against Johnston goalkeeper Josh Adams, who has allowed just one goal all season.
The Dragons improved to 3-0 in the conference and 5-0 overall. Ankeny’s records fell to 0-3 and 2-4.
“Johnston was dominant and physical, and we struggled to deal with the physicality,” Fuccio said. “They played and looked like a top team in the state and there was a gap between us and them, and we will see over the next month how much we can close the gap.”
Things won’t get any easier for the Hawks, who will face No. 2 Ankeny Centennial on Thursday at Northview Stadium. The game will start at about 7:30 p.m., following the girls’ game between the two schools.
The Jaguars are 2-0-1 in the league and 5-0-1 overall after rolling to a 6-1 victory over visiting Dowling Catholic on Tuesday.
