The Newtown High School boys’ soccer team showed resilience this weekend with back-to-back victories in less than 24 hours. The Nighthawks defeated Bunnell of Stratford 3-1 at Blue & Gold Stadium Friday night, September 17, before traveling to Naugatuck for an 11 am kickoff and 2-1 win the next morning.

“Two games right in a row was definitely tough on a hot Saturday morning, but I think it was a good test for us mentally as a more disciplined team,” Newtown Coach Ryan Lyddy said.

Bunnell led against Newtown 1-0 going into the second half, but the Nighthawks came back with three goals to take control of the game. The coaching staff moved players around into new positions at half time, and the boys raised the pressure.

“I think fitness in that specific game was the reason why we won,” Lyddy said.

Captain Gunnar Bozentko assisted a goal scored by captain Jake Gonski. Greg Gargano assisted a goal by Connor Muir, and Justin Zemo scored the final goal.

“Zemo and Muir did a fine job moving the ball, taking shots when needed, and scoring when we needed,” Lyddy said.

The following day in the matchup against Naugatuck, the Nighthawks scored twice in the first half. Zemo scored a goal assisted by Gonski, and Gonski had one himself, assisted by Johnny Moxham.

Naugatuck found the back of the net midway through the second half. In the final minutes of the game, the Nighthawks showed their physical and mental toughness in the back with clutch plays by defenders Connor Dullinger and Bennen Blessey as well as key saves by keeper Yarema Stasyshyn finished off the win.

Newtown traveled to Weston on September 21 and fell 1-0.