Coming off the program’s second South-West Conference championship, the Newtown High School girls’ soccer team — while it can not make it three titles in as many campaigns due to the coronavirus-impacted schedule not having a traditional postseason — can work toward defending its title in 2021.

“We’re preparing for the future and honoring the present,” Coach Marc Kenney said as his team practiced at Treadwell Park’s Tilson Field on September 21.

That was the team’s first day of full team practice after being limited to cohorts of ten, and Kenney pushed his players to go hard and push one another as they prepare for game action.

“Obviously, winning is less important. I’m going to commit to playing as many kids as I can,” said Kenney, adding that his goal is twofold: to use the shortened 12-game slate as a way to prepare for next year, all the while creating a great experience for his three seniors — captain and defender Emma Magazu, and goalkeepers Alyssa Bailey and Julianna Stavola.

Other key players are junior captain and midfielder Ally McCarthy, along with forwards Kate Rowan and Riley Powers, midfielder Erin Phaneuf, and defender Elena Sughrue. Newtown is replacing 11 players from last year’s senior-heavy squad.

A strength of this group is its level of fitness as well as cohesiveness, brought on in part by the pandemic-made circumstances, Kenney said.

The season begins with a pair of road contests, Thursday, October 1 at Pomperaug of Southbury at 6:30 pm, and Saturday, October 3, at Bethel at 2 pm. New Milford comes to Blue & Gold Stadium for Newtown’s Senior Night on Tuesday, October 6, starting at 6 pm.