.png)
CLARKSTON – Boys’ soccer is on the pitch and running for the spring season, with the Grizzlies taking a 2-1 loss to Clarkston in an away game on Saturday, March 15 and a 3-0 loss at Warden Thursday, March 13.
Junior Cooper Erickson scored Newport’s lone goal against the Clarkston Bantams on a penalty kick awarded after Jason Stratton was taken down inside the penalty box in the second half. Clarkston leveled the score with a penalty kick of their own late in the second half and then were able to score a go-ahead goal with under two minutes remaining to secure the win.
“While we were without defensive stand-out Parker Jackson, we played very well on defense and Jack Youk was solid as always in goal,” Newport High School boys’ soccer coach Nick Turner said. “We need to improve our possession in the attacking half of the field so that we can create more opportunities for shots on goal, but there was a definite improvement in our teamwork and ball movement.”
At the game against Warden last Thursday, Newport boys played hard in a tough game.
“I treat these out of league games like pre-season football,” Tucker said. “We try out a few things, face some challenging opponents, and get things tweaked and ready for league play. This was our first game utilizing a new formation and, although it had some hiccups and there are things we need to improve on, it seemed to work well with our team.”
The Grizzlies face Tonasket at an away game this Saturday, March at 1 p.m. before league games start the following week.
“I’m excited to see the growth at Tonasket once we have a week to review film and improve our game,” Tucker said.
The Grizzlies’ first home game is Tuesday, March 25 against Lakeside at 4 p.m.
