Beyond the Score, Ep. 60: Summit boys soccer is ready for league play

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)--Summit striker Will Newton is already making an impact early in the season.

The junior scored twice Tuesday, leading the Storm to a 2-1 victory over Hood River. Newton said the team's chemistry and getting everyone involved will be key to Summit's success this season.

“I think just honestly, team cohesion is most important,” Newton said. “Trusting our guys to make the right pass, make the right turn to shoot, and I think overall, just getting everyone involved is the most important thing.”

One of Newton's goals came after a strong individual effort from senior captain Zach Bradley, who beat two defenders before finding Newton for the finish.

Bradley joked that he initially wanted to take the shot himself, but knew Newton was the team's goal scorer.

Despite the win, both players believe Summit had opportunities to make the game more comfortable. Newton added that the Storm can use the game as a learning experience.

“Could we have won by more? Probably. Do we think we should have? Yeah,” Newton said. “But we have to take this win as a learning experience. Obviously, a win is a win."

Bradley also felt the Storm could have scored more.

“You can't play perfect the whole game,” Bradley said. “I thought in the middle of the first half we were going to score three. But it's soccer. Sometimes it doesn't go your way. It's a win, so we'll take it.”

While Newton leads the attack, Summit's defense is looking to continue the success it had last season.

The Storm went 14 consecutive games without allowing a goal last season. Against Hood River, the only goal Summit conceded came on a penalty kick, while the defense, led by Quentin Swanston, controlled the rest of the match.

Communication has been a major focus for the Storm's back line.

“Definitely our communication,” Swanston said. “In practice, we talk a lot. We talk a lot in games, making sure we're in the right place. That definitely helps us in the game and finding our marks.”

Summit followed the Hood River victory with another shutout Thursday, defeating Wilsonville 3-0.

With the Storm already putting together strong performances on both sides of the ball, the team's chemistry is beginning to take shape.