The host and No. 4 seed Newtown High School boys' soccer team gave everything it had — especially in the second half — but fell 2-1 to No. 5 Brookfield in the South-West Conference Tournament quarterfinals on October 23.

Newtown fell behind 2-0 at the half before cutting the lead in half less than 11 minutes out of the break and pressuring the Bobcat defense the rest of the way.

First half goals, including one by UConn commit Jack Ryan, put the Bobcats — who were beaten 4-0 by NHS in the regular slate — in early control.

Josh Prudhomme scored the lone Newtown goal. Newtown goalkeeper James D'Amico, put into the game to start the second half, drilled a free kick that soared across midfield and bounced over Brookfield's keeper. Prudhomme got behind the keeper and won a race to the bouncing ball to deposit the lone Nighthawk marker.

Jeff Prout, Ryan Payne, Curtis Verdi, Manny Adomako, Brendan McAnaspie, and Noah Kooper all created chances and generated corner kicks to no avail. The Hawks threatened even in the waning seconds as Prout sent a cross from the right side that was corralled by Brookfield's keeper just before time expired.

"I saw some very, very good things tonight — especially in the second half," Newtown Coach Ryan Lyddy said. "They were definitely on their heels for 40 minutes."

The momentum was made possible by some formation and personnel changes. Lyddy said the Nighthawks may have discovered a new setup that will help carry them in the state playoffs.

Newtown will look to make a big run, perhaps even a title run, in states.

"It's definitely possible — there's not a doubt in my mind," Lyddy said.