Ludwig Francilette opened the scoring for Newcastle's second-string after heading home from Rosaire Longelo's in-swinging corner before Benfica levelled before the half time break following Daniel Dos Anjos' penalty after Luke Charman was penalised for a foul inside a crowded box.
Despite United looking more to win the Group C clash in the second half, it was the visitors who almost left Tyneside with three points as David Zec's close range header was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by United shot-stopper Jake Turner in stoppage time.
"It's a bit of a mixture," the Academy's Head of Coaching told nufc.co.uk. "I was pleased with the lads' effort and application but disappointed that we haven't made the most of it and took three points home if I'm honest.
"We probably feel a bit fortunate at the end when Jake made a great save to keep it at 1-1 but I thought, just in general terms, we had done enough to edge it.
"We need to tighten up on some things in the attacking half in terms of creating opportunities and chances but I'm really pleased with how we dealt with a very strong international opposition so I can't grumble too much.
"Ludwig's a real threat as you can imagine with the size of him. I think with any set piece, no matter what the set up or what the opposition do, is there a good enough delivery and somebody willing to go and put their head on it. He did and it's a great finish.
"The penalty is something that the lads need to learn from. I don't think there's many in there who were involved when we played in this competition two years ago. They're the kinds of things which can occur on those nights."
With Hertha Berlin and Blackburn Rovers still to play in Group C of the competition, Newcastle will hope to replicate their form shown in the 2017 edition, reaching the semi-finals of the Premier League International Cup before losing to eventual winners Porto at St. James' Park.
And Dawson, who was United's under-23 head coach for the impressive run two years ago, is hopeful Newcastle's developing youngsters can benefit greatly from facing unfamiliar opposition this term.
Dawson added: "Any cup run helps in terms of their individual development. It gives them great experience and you never know what experience you will need along that path.
"We spoke briefly in the meeting beforehand about, back in 2013, when the first team played Benfica (in the Europa League) and then two years ago, we have the Porto game and how they're different and quite special. These nights don't come along very often so you have to make the most of it.
"It's all valuable and will come in handy at some point in their careers."
