N.H. boys soccer: Newmarket beats Littleton to win Division IV state championship
LACONIA — All season, Newmarket boys soccer coach Kenny Najem preached a simple message to his players: Their effort needed to match their expectations. On the biggest stage of the season, the Mules did exactly that. More: Freshman's hat trick powers Portsmouth Christian girls soccer to second straight state title Top-seeded Newmarket scored twice in the first half and went on to defeat No. 2 Littleton, 3-1, in the Division IV state championship game on Friday, Nov. 6 at Laconia High School. “We’ve had many conversations last year and this year talking about how your efforts need to match your expectations, and their efforts matched their expectations all year,” Najem said. Newmarket wasted little time taking control. Brennan Zhe scored in the second minute off a free kick to give the Mules a 1-0 lead. He struck again near the midway point of the first half. This time, Zhe carried the ball through the center of the field before firing a shot from outside the 18-yard box for his second goal, giving Newmarket a two-goal cushion. Najem said Zhe elevated his play throughout Newmarket's championship run. “He wanted it, and (this team) wanted it,” Najem said. “You could see it
