In a clash between unbeaten nonconference foes, Newtown High School’s boys’ soccer team used a pair of first-half tallies to blank visiting Naugatuck 2-0 under the lights in the rain at Blue & Gold Stadium on September 23. Kyle Ruddy and Brendan McAnaspie both scored and Johnny Celli had an assist in the victory.

The Nighthawks, a Class L school, improved to 4-0-2 and the Greyhounds, a Class LL team, fell to 4-1-1.

“It’s nice to beat a double L, undefeated team,” Newtown Coach Ryan Lyddy said.

Especially considering the weather conditions with on and off, heavy at times, rain.

“Anything can happen. One bad skip can be a 1-0 game and park the bus and hold it,” said Lyddy, referring to teams getting a lucky bounce and playing defensively to maintain the lead.

Instead, Newtown was able to generate a couple of goals and continue to pressure at times.

“They stuck it out. We got out clean, meaning no injuries, which is great,” Lyddy said.

And it was a clean sheet as they call it, with goalkeeper Yarema Stasyshyn and the Nighthawks getting their first shutout of the campaign. Newtown’s back line of Gjin Abazi, Elias Brady, Ruddy, and Ryan Payne played well in front of their keeper.

Lyddy referred to center midfielder Brady Lavelle as the “man of the match,” given his overall play in a key spot on the field.

“All year he’s been getting beaten up, and beaten up — and beaten up. And he keeps getting up and fighting and staying positive,” Lyddy said.

The Nighthawks were coming off a 2-2 tie at Pomperaug of Southbury two days earlier. Manny Adomako and Payne both found the back of the net and Luke Kellerman and Adomako had assists.

Newtown got back to action at home against another unbeaten foe, South-West Conference rival Bethel, at home on September 26. The Nighthawks suffered their first loss of the campaign in a 3-0 decision.

Varsity Soccer Night In Newtown will take place at Blue & Gold Stadium on Saturday, September 30. It's a doubleheader with the girls taking on Bunnell at 4 pm, followed by the boys hosting Xavier of Middletown at 6. Newtown Soccer Club players who wear their jersey will get in for free.

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