Newman wins 1-0 over Episcopal to take Division IV boys soccer crown

Congrats to Newman the Division IV Boys’ Soccer State Champions! #80minutes #LHSAA @newmanathletics pic.twitter.com/w9c4QCF2Wh

— LHSAA (@LHSAA) March 1, 2020

Episcopal and Newman are two programs with trophy cases full of soccer awards so being in the state finals is not that unnerving to either.

Newman coach Tooraj Badie said on our Monday Night Futbol podcast earlier this week that last year’s failure to bring the trophy home really motivated both himself and his club. It showed Saturday at Strawberry Stadium in Hammond during a tense match for all the marbles.

Charlie Walner’s second half goal lifted the Greenies to a 1-0 victory and sweet redemption in the Division IV boys title game.

Unlike last year’s final against Northlake Christian, Newman made a 1-0 lead hold to take home the championship.

“This entire year we’ve been preaching 80 minutes of soccer, and it happened for us,” Badie explained.

The first half remained pretty even with Newman (14-6-3) having a slightly better attack but not scoring. After the break, the Greenies came out firing with three threatening shots going wide but keeping Episcopal on its heels.

However, Episcopal (15-5-3) had a dangerous chance in the 55th minute but Newman goalkeeper Beau Adams made clean but risky tackle to save the day. It looked like a situation that could have been drawn a whistle in the box but no foul was called.

During that lull in emotions, Newman attacked and the junior Walner found himself open 20 yards out. He shot a looping ball over the keeper for what was the game-winner. His efforts also earn him most outstanding player honors.

Congrats to the Division IV #MVP JR Charlie Walner from Newman High School! #LHSAA #80minutes @newmanathletics pic.twitter.com/PO2GK2jXX8

— LHSAA (@LHSAA) March 1, 2020

“I saw it go in, and it was pure joy,” proclaimed Walner.

The Knights sent an extra attacker leaving just three in the back of defense but the Greenies repelled all potential threats the rest of the way.

Both the boys and girls teams at Newman brought the gold back to uptown New Orleans by capturing state titles and giving this generation a place in the lore of Greenies soccer.

Badie’s first state title win could be the start of earning many more at Newman.