It's been quite a first week of school for the Marauder Freshmen. Eons ago on Monday they held off the Girl's Varsity in a scrimmage that was valuable in many respects, not the least of which was familiarizing them with the turf playing surface that they'd see twice later in the week. They opened with two grueling road wins on Wednesday and Friday, and dragged themselves out of bed on Saturday morning for their third match in four days.
Manchester Central looked formidable in warmups, but the Marauders jumped all over them, scoring twice in the first few minutes en route to a 9-0 victory. Hanover showed great ball control, deadly finishing, and strong team defense, leading 4-0 at halftime and subbing liberally throughout the contest.
The match was less than a minute old when Hanover was awarded a free kick on the left flank. Elias Zinman hit a long, high shot on goal, and the Central keeper pushed it off the crossbar, where it rebounded straight to Dillon Bradley, who buried the rebound at the right post. A minute later, Lefties Incorporated (Liam Collins and Andy Rightmire) collaborated for a 2-0 lead. Collins slid a pass to Rightmire, who blasted a long shot high into the net. Yikes.
The game settled down a bit, with the back four of Rightmire, Charlie Plottner, Alexander Purcell and Adam Blackburn denying Central space and possession. Midway through the half, Bradley chipped a ball into space for Bauti Gallino at the top of the penalty area, and Gallino finished like a pro for a 3-0 lead. The fourth goal of the half, with less than four minutes to play, was perhaps the nicest of the game. Nico Mayo-Pushee struck a perfectly-hit free kick from the left corner to the far post, and Eli Silovich headed it home with authority.
The Marauders picked up right where they left off at the start of the second half. After Dillon Bradley was fouled in the penalty area, Elias Zinman buried a penalty kick inside the left upright, and the rout was on. Three minutes later Adam Blackburn, a defender with the soul of a striker, found himself in the midst of a goalmouth scrum following a corner kick, and roofed the rebound for a 6-0 lead. Gallino potted his second goal of the match ten minutes later, and then Silovich earned his brace, converting a nice centering pass from Will Laycock on the left side. Nico Mayo-Pushee finished off the scoring with an authoritative blast for the right side.
Hans Williams calmly made four saves for Hanover to earn his second clean sheet of the season, getting nice defensive help from Tyler Wittman, Matt Fenner, Tommy Madden and Gary Li.
After a well-deserved break over the long weekend, the Freshmen will start the week preparing for two challenging games, road games at Concord on Thursday and at Exeter on Saturday. With the other three teams on the road on Tuesday, they'll have the Pasture all to themselves for training. Please take care of all of our new toys out there!
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Friday, September 4, 2015
Freshmen Beat Bedford 3-2; Host Central Saturday
The Marauder Freshmen continued their hot start to the season with a wire to wire victory over Bedford on Friday afternoon. Shrugging off their second long road trip in three days, Hanover took a 2-0 lead on a pair of goal by Dillon Bradley, the first on a corner kick from Liam Collins, and the second a shot from 25 meters that Dillon lofted over the manchild in the Bedford goal. The Bulldogs pulled a goal back to make the score 2-1, but Nico Mayo-Pushee toe-poked a ball past the keeper for a 3-1 lead. Bedford came within a goal again before the end of the half on a far post conversion, but that was the end of the scoring.
Hanover's defense tightened in front of Sam Gallimore in goal and the Marauders continue to press all over the field, keeping Bedford at bay throughout the rest of the half and putting a bow on a satisfying victory.
There will be little time to savor the win. The Marauders return to action Saturday morning with a 10:00 kickoff at Merriman-Branch Field against Manchester Central. Players should report at 9:00 sharp in white so that they can sit for their team photo. The Breakfast Club!
Hanover's defense tightened in front of Sam Gallimore in goal and the Marauders continue to press all over the field, keeping Bedford at bay throughout the rest of the half and putting a bow on a satisfying victory.
There will be little time to savor the win. The Marauders return to action Saturday morning with a 10:00 kickoff at Merriman-Branch Field against Manchester Central. Players should report at 9:00 sharp in white so that they can sit for their team photo. The Breakfast Club!
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Marauders Win Home Opener Against Exeter 2-0
Hanover played its best soccer of the young season at just the right time, dominating a good Exeter team and earning a satisfying 2-0 win in the home opener at Merriman-Branch Field. First half goals by Jamie Dinulos and Asa Berolzheimer and a stifling defense gave Hanover a well-needed win as they prepared for a showdown next Tuesday with preseason favorite Londonderry.
The familiar surroundings of their home pitch were just what the doctor ordered for the Marauders, who got to work on attacking Exeter right from the start, and enjoyed a one-sided advantage in possession, shots, and corner kicks. Several Hanover attackers had good looks at the goal in the early going, including Jake Acker and Joanh Levine from long range, and Jamie Dinulos, Sam Strohbehn and Seth Stadheim in the goal mouth. Exeter goalkeeper Caden Blazek made one spectacular save on a close-in shot, and Ian Caldwell nearly found the range on a back post header on one of the none corner kicks taken by the Marauders.
Twenty minutes into the match, Hanover broke on top on a great individual effort by Jamie Dinulos, who tallied his third goal of the season after a dazzling run down the left side. The senior striker blew past his defender, cut in front of the goal, and buried a short range shot to give the Marauders a lead they would never relinquish.
Exeter gamely tried to counterattack, but could never establish possession in the Hanover end, thanks to dominating play in the center of the park. Ian Caldwell and Jonah Levin owned every ball in the air, and Asa Berolzheimer's cool field generalship allowed the Marauder to continually cycle and reset their offense. Exeter midfielder Hunter Smith managed to squeeze off a shot while sandwiched between two defenders, but Connor Edson had no trouble making an easy save.
With less than a minute to play, the Marauders connected four straight passes in the Exeter end and took advantage of a great off the ball run by Seth Stadheim to free up junior midfielder Marcus Helble at the top of the box. Helble first a hard ball to the feet of Belolzheimer, who redirected it into the net for a 2-0 lead that would be insurmountable. It was Berolzheimer's fourth goal, and gave him a three-game scoring streak.
Knowing the potential danger of a 2-0 lead, the Marauders started strong in the second half. Timmy Alibozek got loose on a breakaway but Blazek stopped his left-footed bid from ten yards. The Marauders came close a few other times, but what was far more impressive was how well Hanover controlled possession of the ball and kept the tempo high. The back four of Caldwell, Pych, Addison Wanner and Will Smith did a wonderful job changing the point of attack, and staying alert for counter attacks.
Caldwell made the key defensive play of the night for the Marauders, snuffing a close-range shot with a timely tackle in the box. All ball. In the tangle that followed Bucket smooshed poor Connor Edson, who had to leave the game long enough for the reporter to review time-honored euphemisms for being hit below the belt. Patrick Logan, resplendent in canary, popped into the game and made a save on a subsequent shot. Meanwhile, on the bench, a minor miracle: Connor spoke! Many of his teammates had never heard him speak before, and it was kind of unsettling. Sort of like the Tin Man in "Wizard of Oz", although instead of asking for oil, Connor was asking for playing time.
A number of players made strong contributions off the bench to keep the game flowing. Jack Hazard and Casey Starr shone at midfield, and Robbie Murdza was particularly strong up top, making a number of sophisticated runs off the ball.
Hanover now faces a significant challenge in their next match. They travel on Tuesday to play Londonderry, a perennial power that has received a lot of interest in preseason predictions. The Lancers beat Spaulding 11-0 in their only match thus far, and they will be welcoming the Marauders to a field where they have never won. The Marauders will train hard on grass the next few days, and should be ready for their next big test.
The familiar surroundings of their home pitch were just what the doctor ordered for the Marauders, who got to work on attacking Exeter right from the start, and enjoyed a one-sided advantage in possession, shots, and corner kicks. Several Hanover attackers had good looks at the goal in the early going, including Jake Acker and Joanh Levine from long range, and Jamie Dinulos, Sam Strohbehn and Seth Stadheim in the goal mouth. Exeter goalkeeper Caden Blazek made one spectacular save on a close-in shot, and Ian Caldwell nearly found the range on a back post header on one of the none corner kicks taken by the Marauders.
Twenty minutes into the match, Hanover broke on top on a great individual effort by Jamie Dinulos, who tallied his third goal of the season after a dazzling run down the left side. The senior striker blew past his defender, cut in front of the goal, and buried a short range shot to give the Marauders a lead they would never relinquish.
Exeter gamely tried to counterattack, but could never establish possession in the Hanover end, thanks to dominating play in the center of the park. Ian Caldwell and Jonah Levin owned every ball in the air, and Asa Berolzheimer's cool field generalship allowed the Marauder to continually cycle and reset their offense. Exeter midfielder Hunter Smith managed to squeeze off a shot while sandwiched between two defenders, but Connor Edson had no trouble making an easy save.
With less than a minute to play, the Marauders connected four straight passes in the Exeter end and took advantage of a great off the ball run by Seth Stadheim to free up junior midfielder Marcus Helble at the top of the box. Helble first a hard ball to the feet of Belolzheimer, who redirected it into the net for a 2-0 lead that would be insurmountable. It was Berolzheimer's fourth goal, and gave him a three-game scoring streak.
Knowing the potential danger of a 2-0 lead, the Marauders started strong in the second half. Timmy Alibozek got loose on a breakaway but Blazek stopped his left-footed bid from ten yards. The Marauders came close a few other times, but what was far more impressive was how well Hanover controlled possession of the ball and kept the tempo high. The back four of Caldwell, Pych, Addison Wanner and Will Smith did a wonderful job changing the point of attack, and staying alert for counter attacks.
Caldwell made the key defensive play of the night for the Marauders, snuffing a close-range shot with a timely tackle in the box. All ball. In the tangle that followed Bucket smooshed poor Connor Edson, who had to leave the game long enough for the reporter to review time-honored euphemisms for being hit below the belt. Patrick Logan, resplendent in canary, popped into the game and made a save on a subsequent shot. Meanwhile, on the bench, a minor miracle: Connor spoke! Many of his teammates had never heard him speak before, and it was kind of unsettling. Sort of like the Tin Man in "Wizard of Oz", although instead of asking for oil, Connor was asking for playing time.
A number of players made strong contributions off the bench to keep the game flowing. Jack Hazard and Casey Starr shone at midfield, and Robbie Murdza was particularly strong up top, making a number of sophisticated runs off the ball.
Hanover now faces a significant challenge in their next match. They travel on Tuesday to play Londonderry, a perennial power that has received a lot of interest in preseason predictions. The Lancers beat Spaulding 11-0 in their only match thus far, and they will be welcoming the Marauders to a field where they have never won. The Marauders will train hard on grass the next few days, and should be ready for their next big test.
Marauder JV Rallies to Beat Exeter 3-2 in Overtime
The Marauder Junior Varsity used depth and character to rally from a two-goal deficit and beat Exeter 3-2 in overtime on a perfect summer afternoon at The Pasture. Exeter had more than 130 players try out for their four teams, and brought a deep and talented JV "A" team to the beautifully-prepared Pasture pitch. After 15 minutes of back and forth soccer, Exeter jumped on top when Hanover failed to clear a corner kick, and the Blue Hawks scored from the scramble. The visitors then doubled the score with a shot from the top of the box, and the Marauders trailed 2-0 at halftime.
Hanover had also been behind in their match at Concord, but this time they mustered the wherewithal to rally. Sander Macaulay continued his sniping for the Marauders, scoring twice in the second half to tie the game at 2-2. One of the goals was an upper 90 offering from the edge of the penalty area.
Normally JV games just end in ties, but the coaches wanted to play more, and the officials were wiling to stay. Thank you, Brian Benoit (former HHS Reserve Coach) and Kevin Talcott! Ben Sobel broke the tie with a blast into the top corner from the edge of the goalie box, and the Marauders earned their second win of the season. This was a great result, because Coach Callanan HATED ties. He always wanted to play overtime, and would have loved everything about today's game.
Hanover had also been behind in their match at Concord, but this time they mustered the wherewithal to rally. Sander Macaulay continued his sniping for the Marauders, scoring twice in the second half to tie the game at 2-2. One of the goals was an upper 90 offering from the edge of the penalty area.
Normally JV games just end in ties, but the coaches wanted to play more, and the officials were wiling to stay. Thank you, Brian Benoit (former HHS Reserve Coach) and Kevin Talcott! Ben Sobel broke the tie with a blast into the top corner from the edge of the goalie box, and the Marauders earned their second win of the season. This was a great result, because Coach Callanan HATED ties. He always wanted to play overtime, and would have loved everything about today's game.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Freshmen Open The Season With a 6-0 Win at Portsmouth
The freshman Marauders had a big day between the first day of school and
their first soccer match. After a rousing 2 hour and 15 minute bus
ride, the Marauder boys found themselves in hot 85 degree weather, and
on a turf pitch nearly identical to the one at HHS. Hanover played great
possession soccer from the get-go. It wasn't long before they created
the first scoring chance of the game. Liam Collins took a corner from
the right side which grazed the post and popped up into six yard box, where a
Portsmouth Clipper had the ball hit him in the chest and instinctively
wrapped his arms around it. Hanover was awarded a penalty. It was taken by Andy Rightmire right into the keeper's chest but called back since a
Portsmouth player had crossed over the 18. Elias Zinman would convert
on the re-take of the penalty in the 7th minute. Hanover would continue
the pressure with Bauti Gallino rocking the right post with a blast in
the 10th minute. The Marauders would add another goal by continuing to apply
pressure. After a short goal kick to a defender by the Portsmouth
keeper, Christo Dragnev sent the ball toward the middle with a hard
challenge, where Nico Mayo-Pushee buried it on the right side. Through
the rest of the first half Hanover continued to play its possession
game. The Hanover wing and full backs caught Portsmouth offsides by
keeping flat and not getting sucked back with Portsmouth players making
vertical runs. Portsmouth would have one scoring chance before the half,
and that was broken up by a Gary Li sliding tackle just above the 18, and
keeping a man from making a solid strike with his right.
After having put together an excellent first half, Hanover continued its excellent play in the second half. The Marauders kept pressure in the attacking third and continued to cross balls right in front of the goal mouth. This earned them a corner which Liam Collins again took from the right side. The ball would sail just over the keeper to the far post where Dillon Bradley would put his head on it to the back of the net in the 55th minute. After the restart for the fourth quarter (yes, we played four 20 minute quarters due to the heat), Portsmouth played the ball back, where Christo Dragnev won the ball right above the 18. Christo proceeded to make shot fakes and cut backs and dangled the ball in front of three defensive players. Around six yards above the touch line, he flipped it right over the keeper to the far post where Collins would net it with a header in the 61st minute. The freshman continued to play hard all the way down the bench. After Caleb Benjamin had a shot blocked, Matt Alibozek and Will Laycock applied pressure on the defense. This led to a defensive player putting a small touch on the ball to the keeper, who picked it up, giving us an indirect about level with the six on the right side. Adam Blackburn gave clean pass up to Bauti on the 18 who one timed straight to the back netting in the 75th minute. Portsmouth would try to really push up at the end of the game, and gave some real pressure. After receiving a free kick just above the 18, Hans Williams gave a booming kick that split the Portsmouth center backs and found Matt Alibozek waiting. Matt sprinted with the ball on his foot, taking three touches before being confronted by the keeper around the 18. Matt calm slid it past the goalie, getting a roller across the touch line to finish the scoring in the 78th minute.
Overall it was a total team effort. Success like this does not come from the individuals without having the support of all teammates. Center backs stabilized our back line and distributed the ball well. Wing backs gave tremendous support on outside play in the attacking third. Outside midfielders stayed wide, and played the ball perfectly to the corners. Center midfielders spaced well and swung the ball laterally. Strikers applied pressure and made the defense make mistakes that cost them. Hans Williams was appropriately the loudest person on the pitch yelling away, step, or drop as needed. A great first game, and something to truly build on.
After a day of practice Thursday, the Freshmen return to the road on Friday with a game at Bedford.
Dismissal is AFTER sixth period, not in the middle of it.
After having put together an excellent first half, Hanover continued its excellent play in the second half. The Marauders kept pressure in the attacking third and continued to cross balls right in front of the goal mouth. This earned them a corner which Liam Collins again took from the right side. The ball would sail just over the keeper to the far post where Dillon Bradley would put his head on it to the back of the net in the 55th minute. After the restart for the fourth quarter (yes, we played four 20 minute quarters due to the heat), Portsmouth played the ball back, where Christo Dragnev won the ball right above the 18. Christo proceeded to make shot fakes and cut backs and dangled the ball in front of three defensive players. Around six yards above the touch line, he flipped it right over the keeper to the far post where Collins would net it with a header in the 61st minute. The freshman continued to play hard all the way down the bench. After Caleb Benjamin had a shot blocked, Matt Alibozek and Will Laycock applied pressure on the defense. This led to a defensive player putting a small touch on the ball to the keeper, who picked it up, giving us an indirect about level with the six on the right side. Adam Blackburn gave clean pass up to Bauti on the 18 who one timed straight to the back netting in the 75th minute. Portsmouth would try to really push up at the end of the game, and gave some real pressure. After receiving a free kick just above the 18, Hans Williams gave a booming kick that split the Portsmouth center backs and found Matt Alibozek waiting. Matt sprinted with the ball on his foot, taking three touches before being confronted by the keeper around the 18. Matt calm slid it past the goalie, getting a roller across the touch line to finish the scoring in the 78th minute.
Overall it was a total team effort. Success like this does not come from the individuals without having the support of all teammates. Center backs stabilized our back line and distributed the ball well. Wing backs gave tremendous support on outside play in the attacking third. Outside midfielders stayed wide, and played the ball perfectly to the corners. Center midfielders spaced well and swung the ball laterally. Strikers applied pressure and made the defense make mistakes that cost them. Hans Williams was appropriately the loudest person on the pitch yelling away, step, or drop as needed. A great first game, and something to truly build on.
After a day of practice Thursday, the Freshmen return to the road on Friday with a game at Bedford.
Dismissal is AFTER sixth period, not in the middle of it.
Marauders Host Exeter Thursday, and Start Their Haven Food Drive
The Marauders will host one of their best rivals Thursday when Exeter comes to town. Hanover has only been playing the Blue Hawks in official Division One play for four years, but they have a friendly rivalry that goes further back. The two teams boast the oldest, crustiest coaches in New Hampshire. Coach Grabill began high school coaching in 1973, and coached his first game in New Hampshire two years later. Exeter Coach Jim Tufts has been coaching Varsity Soccer and Ice Hockey continuously at Exeter for 38 years. He's in at least two different Halls of Fame. His teams play hard and fair, and are very welcome opponents. Exeter, we'll remind you, was the last opposing team to set foot on the turf at Merriman-Branch Field. The Hawks lost to Hanover 2-1 in the NHIAA Quarterfinals late last fall on goals by Jake Acker and Seth Stadheim, and they will be eager to return the favor.
The game will kick off at 6:30, and we are asking everyone who comes to the match to bring with them a non-perishable food item (tuna, peanut butter, soup, cereal) or a check for the Haven. Every year we have worked all season to support the Haven's food pantry. Just this morning I took the remnants of our food from yesterday's bus trip to Concord over to the Haven, and the gratitude with which this modest amount was received reminded me of what an impact we can have. Please consider a generous food donation. We'll be collecting at a table right near the Snack Shack, which will be open for business.
The Junior Varsity will host Exeter at 5:00 at the Rt. 5 fields in Norwich. Players can either drive to the game, ride with parents, or take the practice bus which leaves HHS at 3:50. They are responsible for getting themselves home after the game. Reserves and Freshmen will train at 4:00 at Rt. 5, and take the same practice bus at 3:50. Reserves and Freshmen should dress on the far sidelines closest to the Farmer's Market, and leave the benches in the middle alone for the JV players from Exeter and HHS. There will be a return bus to HHS at 5:30. (Just enough time to do your homework at the school and then stay for the Varsity game!
The game will kick off at 6:30, and we are asking everyone who comes to the match to bring with them a non-perishable food item (tuna, peanut butter, soup, cereal) or a check for the Haven. Every year we have worked all season to support the Haven's food pantry. Just this morning I took the remnants of our food from yesterday's bus trip to Concord over to the Haven, and the gratitude with which this modest amount was received reminded me of what an impact we can have. Please consider a generous food donation. We'll be collecting at a table right near the Snack Shack, which will be open for business.
The Junior Varsity will host Exeter at 5:00 at the Rt. 5 fields in Norwich. Players can either drive to the game, ride with parents, or take the practice bus which leaves HHS at 3:50. They are responsible for getting themselves home after the game. Reserves and Freshmen will train at 4:00 at Rt. 5, and take the same practice bus at 3:50. Reserves and Freshmen should dress on the far sidelines closest to the Farmer's Market, and leave the benches in the middle alone for the JV players from Exeter and HHS. There will be a return bus to HHS at 5:30. (Just enough time to do your homework at the school and then stay for the Varsity game!
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Varsity Battles Concord to a 2-2 Draw
Hanover traveled to Concord on Wednesday and engaged the Crimson Tide in pitched battle which ended in a 2-2 draw. Concord jumped in front in the ninth minute and held the lead until Asa Berolzheimer scored on a sweet header early in the second half to tie the match. Although the Marauders controlled most of the game after the interval, the Crimson Tide re-took the lead, and held on until Berolzheimer's penalty kick tied the match again with three minutes to play in regulation. The two tired teams battled through twenty minutes of golden goal overtime, but the score remained at 2-2. It was an exciting match with moments of brilliance, tainted a bit by physical play and disappointing officiating. In the end, the teams agreed that both teams had showed the capability to be playing late into the playoffs, and perhaps meeting again to resolve the deadlock.
Both teams were feeling each other out in the early stages of the game when Concord scored a shocking goal to snatch a 1-0 lead. Crimson Tide goalkeeper Dylan Thomson, who had already demonstrated a very powerful downfield kick, was given a chance to take a free kick fifteen yards inside his half of the field. He hit a long, high shot that sailed into the Hanover end, screaming out of the high, blazing sun, and carried over Connor Edson and under the bar for a 1-0 lead. The goal energized an already highly-motivated Concord team, which continued to carry an edge on play, led by a strong performance by midfielder Luck Ndahigwa, a native of the Congo who had returned to Concord High after a year with the Seacoast Academy team. Striker Jacob Silverstein almost doubled the lead with a hard shot that hit squarely off the upright. Hanover showed a few signs of life, and earned a free kick at the edge of the Tide box. Asa Berolzheimer's ensuing shot was snuffed by the wall, and the half ended with the home team holding the lead.
Hanover had a chance to collect themselves at halftime, and they took full advantage. The Marauder offense clicked into high gear, and threatened several times before being gifted a chance to tie the game with a dubious penalty kick. The soccer gods correctly directed Berolzheimer's spot kick off of the crossbar, and Hanover was left to find a more legitimate way to tie the match. The wait wasn't long. Adam Pikelney got room on the right flank and centered a ball into the Tide box, and Berolzheimer launched a wonderful header past Thomson to tie the match. It was Pikelney's third assist of the season.
Hanover continued to press, but Concord stayed dangerous, and on one of their few forays into the Marauder end the Tide un-tied the match in the 62nd minute when defender Liam Bennett curled out of the corner and hit a left footed shot into the upper right corner of the Hanover net. This would be a true character test for the Marauders, and they were equal to the task. Hanover got a lift from several subs on a very hot afternoon. Casey Starr worked free for a dangerous shot that forced Thomson to make an excellent save. A few minutes later, Seth Stadheim hit a shot that was headed for a certain goal until Thomson denied him with a desperate dive. Hanover kept pressing, and as time ran down they mounted a furious flurry of shots, one of which was clearly handled by a defender on the ground.
The Marauders were awarded another penalty, and this time Berolzheimer made good, blasting the ball past the the talented but demonstrative Thomson to knot the game. Hanover actually had one more good chance before overtime, but the clock ran out, and the two teams tried to regroup for 20 minutes of golden goal overtime. Hanover had the better of the play in the first overtime, with Ian Caldwell making a dangerous run into the box, only to come up just a bit short. Coach Grabill went with fresh legs to start the second overtime, and the move almost paid off when Griffin Johnson found himself open at the far post and on the end of a cross. His header just glanced off the post, however. Neither team had much of a chance in the waning minutes, which featured several dangerous fouls by the host team.
There will be much to learn from this early-season showdown between playoff contenders. Both teams missed plenty of scoring opportunities, and there will be players on both teams who will want to atone for mistakes in execution and attitude. Hanover was given two yellow cards, and although it can be argued that neither one was justified, it's nevertheless a sobering total. In the 39 games played by Hanover in 2013 and 2014, they collected a grand total of three cards. So, there's room for improvement.
Luckily, opportunity is knocking. On Thursday night, the Marauders will welcome Exeter High School, another legitimate title contender, to Merriman-Branch Field for a 6:30 kickoff. Interestingly, this is the second game in a row between Hanover and Exeter on the turf. Hanover's last home game in 2014 was a thrilling quarterfinal victory over the Blue Hawks that propelled them to the semifinals. Now Exeter is back, fresh off a season-opening 6-0 victory. They will be leaded and eager to make a statement. Fortunately, Hanover has a pretty good record in night games at home. Be sure to bring your friends!
Both teams were feeling each other out in the early stages of the game when Concord scored a shocking goal to snatch a 1-0 lead. Crimson Tide goalkeeper Dylan Thomson, who had already demonstrated a very powerful downfield kick, was given a chance to take a free kick fifteen yards inside his half of the field. He hit a long, high shot that sailed into the Hanover end, screaming out of the high, blazing sun, and carried over Connor Edson and under the bar for a 1-0 lead. The goal energized an already highly-motivated Concord team, which continued to carry an edge on play, led by a strong performance by midfielder Luck Ndahigwa, a native of the Congo who had returned to Concord High after a year with the Seacoast Academy team. Striker Jacob Silverstein almost doubled the lead with a hard shot that hit squarely off the upright. Hanover showed a few signs of life, and earned a free kick at the edge of the Tide box. Asa Berolzheimer's ensuing shot was snuffed by the wall, and the half ended with the home team holding the lead.
Hanover had a chance to collect themselves at halftime, and they took full advantage. The Marauder offense clicked into high gear, and threatened several times before being gifted a chance to tie the game with a dubious penalty kick. The soccer gods correctly directed Berolzheimer's spot kick off of the crossbar, and Hanover was left to find a more legitimate way to tie the match. The wait wasn't long. Adam Pikelney got room on the right flank and centered a ball into the Tide box, and Berolzheimer launched a wonderful header past Thomson to tie the match. It was Pikelney's third assist of the season.
Hanover continued to press, but Concord stayed dangerous, and on one of their few forays into the Marauder end the Tide un-tied the match in the 62nd minute when defender Liam Bennett curled out of the corner and hit a left footed shot into the upper right corner of the Hanover net. This would be a true character test for the Marauders, and they were equal to the task. Hanover got a lift from several subs on a very hot afternoon. Casey Starr worked free for a dangerous shot that forced Thomson to make an excellent save. A few minutes later, Seth Stadheim hit a shot that was headed for a certain goal until Thomson denied him with a desperate dive. Hanover kept pressing, and as time ran down they mounted a furious flurry of shots, one of which was clearly handled by a defender on the ground.
The Marauders were awarded another penalty, and this time Berolzheimer made good, blasting the ball past the the talented but demonstrative Thomson to knot the game. Hanover actually had one more good chance before overtime, but the clock ran out, and the two teams tried to regroup for 20 minutes of golden goal overtime. Hanover had the better of the play in the first overtime, with Ian Caldwell making a dangerous run into the box, only to come up just a bit short. Coach Grabill went with fresh legs to start the second overtime, and the move almost paid off when Griffin Johnson found himself open at the far post and on the end of a cross. His header just glanced off the post, however. Neither team had much of a chance in the waning minutes, which featured several dangerous fouls by the host team.
There will be much to learn from this early-season showdown between playoff contenders. Both teams missed plenty of scoring opportunities, and there will be players on both teams who will want to atone for mistakes in execution and attitude. Hanover was given two yellow cards, and although it can be argued that neither one was justified, it's nevertheless a sobering total. In the 39 games played by Hanover in 2013 and 2014, they collected a grand total of three cards. So, there's room for improvement.
Luckily, opportunity is knocking. On Thursday night, the Marauders will welcome Exeter High School, another legitimate title contender, to Merriman-Branch Field for a 6:30 kickoff. Interestingly, this is the second game in a row between Hanover and Exeter on the turf. Hanover's last home game in 2014 was a thrilling quarterfinal victory over the Blue Hawks that propelled them to the semifinals. Now Exeter is back, fresh off a season-opening 6-0 victory. They will be leaded and eager to make a statement. Fortunately, Hanover has a pretty good record in night games at home. Be sure to bring your friends!
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