The 2003 fall season opened last weekend for the Newtown Soccer Club, with travel teams competing in statewide tournaments. The Boys U11 Strikers and Girls U13 Hurricanes were up in Naugatuck participating in the Sao Paio Tournament while the Girls U12 Rampage were in Farmington.

The Strikers defeated Naugatuck (5-2) but lost to Fairfield (1-0) and Bridgeport (5-2).

In the loss to Fairfield, the Strikers held their own against a U12 team and were unlucky not to tie.  Nick Wright in offense repeatedly showed skill and determination to try to break through while Tony Vacaro was a solid force for the defense. Newcomers Ryan Pasko and Aaron Nezvesky played well.

In the win over Naugatuck, Kyle Moore scored in first minute of play followed closely by a goal from Eric Thornberg. Thornberg, Wright and Patrick Fay all scored in the second half. Kyle Wildman and Ishan Titake were solid in the net.

In the loss to Bridgeport, Kai Aschick and Kyle Moore scored the goals.  Daniel Lynch and Dan Hufziger powered the offense while Josh Engler, Max Brazo and James Truckle had a strong performance in defense.

The Rampage (Girls U12) defeated Northeast Connecticut (2-1) but lost to Berlin (5-0) and Oakwood (3-1).

In the loss to Berlin, the 2002 State Cup champions, Katie Pessin made 15 saves in net while midfielders Kirsten Hudock, Sara Kelly, Laetitia de Brantes and Susan Mason played well.

In the loss to Oakwood, strong play from forward Kristen Tanner and defenders Monica Warek, Ally Modzelewski and Taylor Smith sparked the Rampage. Kate Bowen scored the lone Newtown goal off a penalty kick.

And in the win over NECONN, Jordyn Good had a goal and two assists to lead the Rampage. Laura Bittman and Caleigh Boyle also scored. Modzelewski, Hannah Basch-Gould, Warek and Smith all had strong games. Pessin recorded 14 saves.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes (Girls U13) defeated Torrington (7-0), the Fairfield Wannabees (1-0) and Danbury (2-1) before losing in double overtime to the Fairfield Shooting Stars (1-0) in the tournament championship.

In the win over Torrington, Collen Thornberg and Adelle Cerreta began the scoring with first half goals. Kelley Sullivan, Sarah Shannon, Katie Serock, Mary Bloshuk, and Molly Curry added tallies while Emily Kluga earned the shutout in goal.

In the win over the Wannabees, Nora Lynn Shimko scored the lone goal on a nice assist from Thornberg. Jen Brewer and Cassie David recorded the shutout in net, with solid defensive help from Emily Weber and Danielle Norris.

In the win over Danbury, Sullivan scored in the first minute of overtime to lift Newtown to the win. Thornberg opened the scoring with a goal on a long free kick. Kasey Schulz and Genna Scheuerell sparked the offensive effort.

In the loss to the Shooting Stars, Cara Colacurcio and Kluga had solid all around performances for the ‘Canes. Brewer and David were strong in goal, stopping numerous Fairfield shots. Weber and Curry again anchored the defense.