Despite another frustrating loss, Ankeny boys’ soccer coach Trevor Fuccio still has faith in his team.
The Hawks suffered their fourth consecutive loss on Tuesday with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of visiting Norwalk, the No. 5 team in Class 3A. The Warriors scored both of their goals in the second half, one of them on a penalty kick.
“Over the last three games the performances have been good, and I’ve seen a lot of growth from our boys,” said Fuccio, whose squad is now 2-7 on the season. “It’s been frustrating as we’ve struggled to defend set pieces, and we’ve given up a penalty kick in each of the last three games.”
Tyden Eng converted a penalty kick for Norwalk. Hudson Ford also scored a goal off an assist by Teegan Kralik.
The Warriors (7-3) went on to record their fourth straight shutout. They have not allowed a goal since dropping a 1-0 decision at No. 2 Ankeny Centennial on April 16.
Ankeny, meanwhile, has not found the net since falling at Centennial, 3-2, on Thursday. The Hawks were blanked at Marshalltown on Monday prior to Tuesday’s shutout.
“We didn’t score in either of the Marshalltown or the Norwalk games, but in both games we created quality opportunities,” Fuccio said. “We outshot Norwalk 14-12, and we created 13 shots against Marshalltown.”
The Hawks will travel to Southeast Polk on Friday for a CIML Conference game against the No. 5 Rams, who are coming off a 0-0 draw against Waukee Northwest on Tuesday. Coach Jacob Lucy’s team is 2-1-2 in the league and 6-1-4 overall.
Fuccio just wants his players to stay the course.
“Results don’t tell the full picture, but we are approaching the part of the season where results are what matter,” he said. “We must continue to trust the process and progress we are making, and trust that the results will come.”
