Sandy Hook, CT — Coming off a 5-0 triumph over host Immaculate of Danbury on September 22, Newtown High School’s girls’ soccer team had a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 win over visiting Joel Barlow of Redding, under the lights at Blue & Gold Stadium on September 27. The cross bar proved to come in handy for Newtown, which trailed 2-1 at the half. After Riley Powers scored on a penalty kick late in the first half, Ella Morits blasted a shot off the top bar and Sydney Oltran cleaned up, depositing the rebound to knot the score with 33:11 to play. It stayed that way for the next 20 or so minutes, during which time the Nighthawks pressured big-time with Skyler Howard sending crosses and corner kicks into the 18-yard box, and Oltran, Morits, and Powers all creating chances. Finally, Powers ripped a right-side shot that banged oddly off the bar, spun back and hit the bar a second time. The visiting Falcons had escaped, but not for long. They never got the ball past midfield on the clear, and Powers registered her second goal with a low shot this time, only 30 seconds after her double clanker. It was 3-2 Newtown with 12:30 to play. Strong play in the midfield and on defense by the likes of Izzy Caron, Bella Gerace, Brooke Jackson, Hannah Snayd, and goalkeeper Ryann Heim-Sherwood, who made a late diving stop, helped secure the win and keep Newtown unbeaten. Barlow came out on fire to seize early control with a pair of quick goals. “They put us on our heels with some really cohesive play,” Newtown Coach Marc Kenney said. “Second half I thought we were outstanding.” Adjustments were made at the break. Kenney and the coaching staff asked the players to move the ball more quickly, including when it came to switching the field, and getting numbers forward. “Huge,” Kenney said of the win. “It feels great to come back from a deficit.” Teams that can overcome multi-goal deficits and win on the road make a statement, the coach said. “Those are the marks of a good team and we accomplished at least the first one today,” Kenney added. Of course, the Nighthawks need to pass some more road tests, but they did score a nice win in Danbury against Immaculate. In that game, Powers scored twice, Kenzie Del Pozo, Morits, and Gerace all scored. Oltran had two assists, and Howard and Morits all had helpers. Newtown began the season with a 4-0-3 record. “I am super proud of the group,” Kenney said. Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at [email protected]. https://www.newtownbee.com/09302022/mark-of-a-good-team-girls-soccer-squad-comes-from-behind-to-edge-barlow/