The way Newtown High School's girls' soccer team pushed the ball on offense and generated scoring chances, leading to its net-finders in a 2-0 win over visiting Bethel, at Blue & Gold Stadium, on September 13, gives Coach Marc Kenney a boost of confidence.

"I'm super-impressed with our play offensively," Kenney said. "We're getting chances and we're keeping the ball - when we do that we're really good."

Sarah Houle broke a scoreless tie when she cashed in on a penalty kick with 15:19 to go in the opening half of the l game, putting the ball inside the right post to the left of Bethel's goalkeeper.

Makenna Cerney took a pass from Emma Curtis, moved around one defender, and drew a foul from another, inside the 18-yard box, setting up the PK.

Later in the half, Cerney sent a pass to a streaking Curtis, who launched a shot just wide of the far post on the left side.

As time ticked away in the opening half the Nighthawks kept pushing. Keeley Kortze sent the ball into the 18-yard box and Curtis charged after it. The bouncing ball was juggled by Bethel's keeper, and Curtis followed up and banged a shot home with just 17 seconds left.

Newtown was coming off a season-opening 1-1 deadlock with visiting Notre Dame-Fairfield on September 9. Freshman Karsen Pirone quickly got into the act, assisting Cerney's goal.

Kenney noted that the play of Cerney and Curtis up front, and Houle and Grace Corcoran in the midfield has helped the Nighthawks produce scoring chances in their first two games.

The coach has been pleased with the play of goalkeepers Haley Taylor and Megan Doyle, who have shared time protecting the nets.

Newtown defeated host New Fairfield 3-1 on September 15.

The next home game is Saturday, September 17, when Holy Cross visits Blue & Gold Stadium for a 7 pm start.