In a tough end to the season, the Newtown High School boys’ soccer team lost 2-0 at the hands of the Glastonbury Tomahawks, the defending state co-champions, in the first round of the Class LL state tournament on November 3. Losing in the first round of the state tournament was a tough way to wrap up a great season for Newtown, which went into the tourney as the No. 18 seed; host Glastonbury is the 15 seed.

Despite an early goal by Glastonbury, Newtown was very much in the game. The Nighthawks had multiple scoring opportunities but just could not capitalize. The game was put away with a late goal by Glastonbury.

“They scored off of crosses which has seemed to be our Achilles’ heel this season as we’ve conceded multiple goals in the air and across the box,” Newtown senior Tommy Shaker said.

This loss does not take away from the Nighthawks’ success as Newtown posted a winning record and qualified for both the state and South-West Conference tourneys.

“Although we didn’t receive the result we wanted, we still learned a lot and made memories that will last a lifetime,” senior Ryan King said.

Newtown went 6-4-3 in conference play, including two wins against rival Joel Barlow of Redding, during the regular season before falling to Barlow in the SWC tournament’s first round.

“I’m proud of the growth this team showed throughout the season and of our work rate and dedication to win that we brought to every game,” senior captain Blake Jarvis said.

Over the course of the season the team experienced ups and downs but through everything the players became closer. Senior John Carlson emphasized how appreciative he was to be able to play with this group of seniors throughout all four years.

“It was an amazing experience playing with all of them from freshman year until now,” Carlson said.

The seniors certainly appreciate the effort the team has shown and the love from the fans over the course of the season.

“The season really flew by and I’m gonna miss this team — especially the seniors because, over these last four years from freshman to varsity, I’ve had so many great times with them and at this point they’re like brothers to me,” Shaker said.