There is always a little extra juice when Newtown High teams match up with Masuk of Monroe squads. It will be even more interesting for the boys' soccer teams this year as longtime Masuk Coach Tony Viscuso takes over the Newtown lineup this fall.

"Tony was a really huge pickup by the athletic department," said NHS Athletic Director Matt Memoli, adding that Viscuso brings a wealth of SWC and collegiate coaching experience to the table. "We're really excited to have him."

"Very honored to take this position at this prestigious program," Viscuso said as preseason unfolded in late August.

Viscuso, who spent nine seasons at Masuk then three at University of New Haven, replaces Ryan Lyddy, who went back to his old stomping grounds — Fairfield Prep. He is looking forward to leading the Nighthawks in the South-West Conference as well as in the state playoffs.

There is a new staff with new ideas, said the new NHS leader, who will be assisted by Branden Lage and Zach Guilherme. "So it will take some time to get adjusted," he said.

"We wanna play organized defensive soccer with vertical possession and a team that can adjust to the opponent," Viscuso said. "The expectations are always to be competing for an SWC title and be in the conversation of a state title run. With that said, new staff and ideas take time.

"We have some good seniors who are looking to leaving their mark and some rising young talent," the coach added. "Newtown has always been a top team in the SWC and we are always looking to get back to the days where we were one of the top programs in the state, the goal is to return to this level."

The Nighthawks are led by captains forward Aiden Jennings, center midfielder Jonah Kaiser, and center defender Justin Redrovan. Among other Hawks to watch for are goalkeeper Emanuel Orozco, midfielder Gavin Merrifield, and strikers Kaio Dos Santos, Malakai Ortner, and Ryan Criscuola, the coach said. Defending conference champion Weston, as well as New Milford and Pomperaug of Southbury, are all tough conference opponents, Viscuso anticipates. With the way the schedule shapes up the Nighthawks will be tested early and often out of the gate.

The season kicks off at New Milford Friday, September 11 at 4 pm. Game two marks Viscuso's return to Masuk, Tuesday, September 15 at 7 pm, and Pomperaug visits Blue & Gold Stadium two nights later, Thursday, September 17, for a 6 pm start. No rest for the weary — Weston comes to town Saturday, September 19 at noon. Another to circle on the schedule is former NHS Coach Brian Neumeyer's return with the Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport Panthers to conclude the regular season at Blue & Gold Stadium on Thursday, October 22 at 6 pm.

"Neumeyer is a mentor and has been a good friend through the years — very happy he is back to the SWC," Viscuso said.

There will be a lot of important games in between those challenging early-on matchups and the Kolbe contest, and Viscuso is not overlooking anybody.

"The SWC is always very difficult — anyone can win it," he said.

Including Newtown.

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