By Steve Bigham

The Newtown High School junior varsity boys’ soccer team recently completed a 10-0 season under Coach Boris Medveded. The talented group scored 30 goals and gave up just one goal all season.

The JV Nighthawks were strong at all positions, particularly on defense and at the midfield. The backbone of the squad was sophomore goalie Matt Pachniuk, who is expected to take over for varsity keeper Tom Malloy, a senior, next season. The future looks bright for the Newtown High soccer program.

The team also relied on the skills of freshman forward Ryan Tracy, who also saw key minutes for the varsity. Midfielder Dave Andras and forward Mike Troy also had solid seasons for the unbeaten team, as did sophomore defenseman Alan Papawski and midfielders Derek Miles and Brian Papowski. Other key players included defenders Evan Forstrom, Jeremy Barczak and John Ehlers, and midfielder Sean Wilson.

The most memorable game of the season may have been a 4-0 win over Pomperaug when the Nighthawks rose above the “rough stuff’ to earn the victory. Medveded called that particular game a “clinic” the way his players successfully executed passes and shots.

Medveded, who grew up in the Soviet Union, has compiled an impressive 17-2-1 record during his two years at Newtown. He also coaches alongside Coach Brian Neumeyer during the varsity games.

“Brian and I see eye to eye when it comes to the way soccer should be played,” he said.

Rounding out the squad this year were Tim Robinson, Doug Johnston, John Catino, Ben Phillips, Brian Rodden, Justin Harding, Chris Malloy and Pat Quinn.