MONROE — Coming off a 2-1 win over Bethel at home on October 13, Newtown High School’s boys’ soccer team ventured one town over for a visit with the Monroe Panthers on October 18. The Nighthawks were outplayed, but nearly struck for a late goal. Coach Ryan Lyddy was happy to escape with a point with a scoreless tie.

The good news for the Nighthawks, they are such a tough team that even when they are not on their A game, the players can find a way to not lose.

The Panthers got to a majority of the 50-50 balls and had possession in Newtown’s defensive half for much of the chilly night. The defense, with Connor Dullinger making a few key shot blocks and breakups late, held its own. Goalkeeper Yarema Stasyshyn made some nice saves, including a leaping denial late in regulation for Newtown’s fourth shutout of the campaign.

“We didn’t deserve to win tonight. This is a game you just fight it out and earn a point which we did,” Lyddy said. “I think the biggest thing we learn out of this is when we’re not really gelling we can still get a point.”

The Nighthawks got goals from Luke Kellerman and Gjin Abazi, as well as an assist from Adam Dissa in the win over Bethel. The Hawks have not lost since a 1-0 setback to Brookfield on September 24, the team’s only setback to date heading into Thursday’s home clash with Notre Dame-Fairfield.

Masuk is among the teams looking to qualify for the South-West Conference playoffs, and Notre Dame only has a trio of SWC wins but has lost five games by just one goal. After hosting Notre Dame, the Hawks entertain Pomperaug of Southbury in the regular season finale Tuesday, October 25 at 6 pm. Pomperaug is a state qualifying team with five SWC wins.

“Notre Dame’s going to be another good test. We’ve got to finish strong. That’s going to give us a nice seeding if we do,” said Lyddy, who is looking for his Hawks (9-1-3 overall and 8-1-2 in SWC play) to reach 11 wins. Newtown heads into the final couple of games leading the SWC Colonial Division.

“We’ve just got to stay healthy and keep everyone going in the right direction,” Lyddy said.

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