Whether one believes in superstition/luck or coincidence, one thing all can agree on is that Newtown High School's boys' soccer team had things going in its favor on the way to a 3-0 victory over visiting Brookfield at Blue & Gold Stadium on September 24. The win was the first of the season for the team and first as a Nighthawk for new Coach Tony Viscuso.

Off the field — actually, above it — the first sign it might be the Nighthawks' night came when a hawk flew over the field just before the game, Viscuso noted. But that was not even the most notable happening on that night.

"First and foremost we had a good luck charm tonight," said Viscuso, whose team honored Newtown's Michael Svanda, who has devoted more than 31 years of his life to the Newtown soccer community, including coaching Viscuso many years ago.

Svanda began coaching U14 travel soccer, and he founded the Newtown Pride FC men's team in 1998. His team was a Connecticut Soccer League Champion ten straight years from 2013-23. Throughout his career, Svanda coached in numerous community exhibition games, helping raise more than $100,000 for mental health initiatives in the Newtown community, Viscuso said.

Maybe it was luck, or perhaps it was Svanda's tactical advice — suggesting to Viscuso at halftime that his team focus on marking a top Brookfield player — that helped the Hawks. Newtown's strong play, including passing and finishing, ensured Viscuso had something to celebrate, and it was capped off by a chilly night water cooler bath from his players after the final whistle.

After a trio of hard-fought losses and a pair of ties, Viscuso's elusive first win had to come sooner or later, but the coach admitted things were starting to get to him.

"I've been stressing a lot about it, losing sleep," said Viscuso, adding that it is amazing to get the first one out of the way. "I couldn't be more proud of the program."

Back to some restful nights for Viscuso thanks to a hawk, Svanda ... and some goals. Newtown struck early, fending off the Bobcat attack and going the other way to net the first tally. Malakai Ortner set up Jonah Kaiser for the first of his two goals just 2:47 into the contest.

It remained 1-0 through the first half of play. Another early goal extended the lead, with Gavin Merrifield heading home a Kaio Dos Santos right-side corner kick just 2:58 into the second half. The last goal was scored by Kaiser off a feed from Dos Santos with only 28 seconds remaining, again on a counterattack.

"Beautiful goals. We hit them on the counter," Viscuso said.

"It feels great. We've been working hard," Kaiser said. "It's really nice to see it paying off."

The Newtown coach may give some credit to his former coach and a random hawk overhead, but he also said the team loosened up for this game.

"I told them they've got to get those shackles off and not be afraid of making mistakes," Viscuso said.

Goaltender Emanuel Orozco made a late-game leaping save to help preserve the shutout. The defense of Sagun Meesala, Justin Redrovan, George Tzakas, Jack Bruno, and Luke Libero fended off many Brookfield chances. Dos Santos, Kaiser, Merrifield, Ortner, and Chase Rio helped generate chances for the Hawks.

Viscuso said the Bobcats are well-coached and a young team heading in the right direction. "They're going to be very dangerous in a couple years," he added.

Newtown is looking to continue winning, and playing well together comes naturally for this group, Kaiser said.

"It's easy when it's a family like this. We've worked so much together. We want to keep it going," the NHS captain added.

The Hawks tied Newington on September 27. NHS hosted Bethel on September 29 and lost 1-0.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.