Newtown High School’s boys’ soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision at nonconference opponent Hamden on September 8.

Despite the outcome, there were some encouraging signs for Coach Charley Amblo, whose team’s originally scheduled opener — against South-West Conference foe New Milford two days earlier — was postponed because of rain.

“We showed big improvement in embracing our change to our approach at soccer,” said Amblo, referring to how far the team has come along since the beginning of preseason with regard to problem-solving on the field in a player-centric — rather than coach-driven — atmosphere.

Amblo was particularly pleased with his team’s first-half effort.

“I was really overwhelmed. I didn’t think we were at that point yet,” Amblo said.

Although there were some lapses in his team’s play, especially understandable in game one, the coach was happy with the overall display on the field.

“It was a good step forward for the kids,” Amblo said.

Newtown got strong play from Owen Baillargeon in the midfield throughout the contest, as well as from Rilind Limani at forward, until Limani left the game with an injury in the first half.

The defensive efforts of Ryan Ruddy, Duncan O’Leary, and Garrett Mandarano limited the chances of the Green Dragons, and goalkeeper Cam Trivers was solid when called upon. An own goal, on a deflection, into a vacated part of the goal, was the bad-break difference for the Nighthawk booters.

The Hawks were slated to resume action on Thursday with a home game against Stratford (after The Bee went to press).