The Reserves ended their long layoff with a well-played 3-1 loss to Lebanon on Monday at the pasture. The speedy and skillful Lebanon team took a 2-0 lead at halftime despite some good work by Arturo Johnson in the Marauder goal. Coach Erik McEwen cited Hanover's excellent communication, naming Sam Lutz and Avery Wallis as exemplars.
Hanover came out ready to play in the second half, and pulled a goal back on a breakaway by Kaz Matsuoka. Lebanon countered with their third goal of the match, and the score remained 3-1 in favor of the visitors. Arturo Johnson continued his good work in goal for the Marauders in the second half.
The Reserves will host Kimball Union on Tuesday at 4:30 in a game that was originally scheduled for KUA. Players should bring both white and maroon uniforms, just in case! Due to the switch in locations, Hanover will now play at KUA on October 14th.
Monday, October 5, 2015
JV Beats Keene and Manchester Memorial
The Marauder Junior Varsity won a pair of home games, beating Keene 5-0 on Friday, and continuing their success on Monday with a 3-0 decision over Manchester Memorial. Five different players found the next for Hanover against Keene. Benny Gantrish dribbled through the Keene defense to give the Marauders a 1-0 lead. Brook Leigh scored an absolutely sick goal to double the score, and Sawyer Hanlon's slightly more pedestrian score made it 3-0. Sam Ives hit a rocket from 40 yards for Hanover's fourth goal, and Lincoln Adam finished off a nice pass from David Seigne to complete the scoring. Owen Brooks went the distance in goal to collect the shutout.
On Monday, the Marauders earned a methodical 3-0 win against Memorial. Lincoln Adam scored the only goal of the first half, poking home a pass from Ben Sobel. Sander Macaulay sent David Seigne in on a breakaway for Hanover's first goal of the second half, and then Sawyer Hanlon finished off the scoring, nutmegging a defender inside the penalty area and then finishing for his second goal in two games. Lincoln Adam collected the assist. Owen Brooks had the shutout for Hanover.
The Marauders travel to Nashua North on Wednesday, playing a match at NNHS, which will also be the site of the annual JV Tournament on Saturday, October 24th. Be sure to save that date!
With the rescheduling of a Reserve game for Dresden on Tuesday, the JVs will have a short practice, beginning as close to 4:00 as possible. They'll try to get some time on the fields before the Freshmen and Reserves kick off at 4:30, then do some conditioning work on the sidelines before ending at 5:00.
On Monday, the Marauders earned a methodical 3-0 win against Memorial. Lincoln Adam scored the only goal of the first half, poking home a pass from Ben Sobel. Sander Macaulay sent David Seigne in on a breakaway for Hanover's first goal of the second half, and then Sawyer Hanlon finished off the scoring, nutmegging a defender inside the penalty area and then finishing for his second goal in two games. Lincoln Adam collected the assist. Owen Brooks had the shutout for Hanover.
The Marauders travel to Nashua North on Wednesday, playing a match at NNHS, which will also be the site of the annual JV Tournament on Saturday, October 24th. Be sure to save that date!
With the rescheduling of a Reserve game for Dresden on Tuesday, the JVs will have a short practice, beginning as close to 4:00 as possible. They'll try to get some time on the fields before the Freshmen and Reserves kick off at 4:30, then do some conditioning work on the sidelines before ending at 5:00.
Freshmen Draw With Londonderry, Defeat Bedford
The tale of two games:
When the freshman Marauders took the pitch on Friday October 2, it was cold and grey. Both Hanover and Londonderry took ample time to make sure they were warm to start the match. Londonderry would come out ready to play and would net the first goal of the match in the sixth minute just past Sam Gallimore's punch. Londonderry would kept pressure, and would take only another six to score again. Gallimore would come out to meet the striker, but couldn't knock the ball off the player's feet. Hanover would start to wake up and play the possession style that has given them so much success. Liam Collins would cut the lead in half with a hard low shot in the 27th minute on an assist from Elias Zinman. The two teams would come off the pitch trying to stay warm at half with the score still at 2-1.
After bouncing on their toes during half time Hanover seemed to come out with more pep in their step in the second half. Having recognized that Londonderry's number 15 was their playmaker, Hanover would keep a center back marking him. Alex Purcell, Gary Li, Charlie Plottner, and Adam Blackburn would keep this talented player off the score sheet for the rest of the match. The match would have some back in forth to it. Collins would open the scoring in the second half in the 47th minute, on a ball from Bauti Gallino, knotting the score at 2-2. Londonderry would answer back in three minutes later with a goal of their own. Christo Dragnev would net one just a minute later on the left side to once again tie it up. Londonderry would continue pressure Hanover's defense and scored another in the 65th minute. Hanover's Zinman would net a third equalizer just five minutes later at the 70 minute mark right around the penalty marker. The two teams would have a couple more chances each, with Gallimore making some game saving slides to dispossess Londonderry. The two teams would play two five-minute OT periods with golden goal rule in effect, but would stay locked after a full and cold 90.
Following the game Sam was lauded by teammates for his gutsy play, to which he thanked the backs in front of him. It was an exciting game in which Hanover showed their resolve by battling back three times to tie this game.
The Freshman were hungry for a win following their tie with Londonderry and would get a chance right away with match against Bedford on Monday October 5. The freshman had already beaten the ulldogs, to the tune of 3-2, on the road at the small Joppa Hill field in Bedford. This game would be played under sunny skies alongside the Reserves playing Lebanon at the Dresden fields.
Hanover came out sharp and quick. Elias Zinman would open up the scoring in the seventh minute with a ripper into the side netting from a ball from Bauti Gallino. The Marauder would continue their strong pressure with another goal just four minutes later. In the 11th minute, Liam Collins would knock home a goal, hitting a one timer from Eli Silovich, putting it across from the center. Hanover was not through, and got another with their sheer pressure. Christo Dragnev found himself pressuring with his other teammates in the attacking third and into the 18. After winning the ball, Christo fired quickly and beat the keeper in the thirteenth minute. That would be all the scoring for the first half, but Hanover seemed to maintain most of the possession for the remainder of the half.
Urged to keep intensity in a game that could have been easy to get lulled into slower play, Hanover came out of the half hot. Collins would score again in the 43rd minute on a ball from Zinman. Not more than two minutes later, Dragnev would net his second as well cleaning up a rebound with his head on a cross put in by Gallino. Hanover's pressure would be optimized by their next goal in the 50th minute. Bedford felt the pressure and tried to play the ball back to their keeper, where Gallino pressured, won a tackle, and passed the ball into the net. Hanover would net their final goal in the 60th minute. Caleb Benjamin played a ball into the mixer, where Adam Blackburn was able to put a soft volley on it inside the six.
Upon the end of the game the freshman were elated not only with their win, but also the fact that coach Willie's mother had once again baked cookies for the team. Thanks, Claire Lyon!!!!
It was so much fun lets play again tomorrow! The Freshman host Pinkerton at Dresden at 4:30.
When the freshman Marauders took the pitch on Friday October 2, it was cold and grey. Both Hanover and Londonderry took ample time to make sure they were warm to start the match. Londonderry would come out ready to play and would net the first goal of the match in the sixth minute just past Sam Gallimore's punch. Londonderry would kept pressure, and would take only another six to score again. Gallimore would come out to meet the striker, but couldn't knock the ball off the player's feet. Hanover would start to wake up and play the possession style that has given them so much success. Liam Collins would cut the lead in half with a hard low shot in the 27th minute on an assist from Elias Zinman. The two teams would come off the pitch trying to stay warm at half with the score still at 2-1.
After bouncing on their toes during half time Hanover seemed to come out with more pep in their step in the second half. Having recognized that Londonderry's number 15 was their playmaker, Hanover would keep a center back marking him. Alex Purcell, Gary Li, Charlie Plottner, and Adam Blackburn would keep this talented player off the score sheet for the rest of the match. The match would have some back in forth to it. Collins would open the scoring in the second half in the 47th minute, on a ball from Bauti Gallino, knotting the score at 2-2. Londonderry would answer back in three minutes later with a goal of their own. Christo Dragnev would net one just a minute later on the left side to once again tie it up. Londonderry would continue pressure Hanover's defense and scored another in the 65th minute. Hanover's Zinman would net a third equalizer just five minutes later at the 70 minute mark right around the penalty marker. The two teams would have a couple more chances each, with Gallimore making some game saving slides to dispossess Londonderry. The two teams would play two five-minute OT periods with golden goal rule in effect, but would stay locked after a full and cold 90.
Following the game Sam was lauded by teammates for his gutsy play, to which he thanked the backs in front of him. It was an exciting game in which Hanover showed their resolve by battling back three times to tie this game.
The Freshman were hungry for a win following their tie with Londonderry and would get a chance right away with match against Bedford on Monday October 5. The freshman had already beaten the ulldogs, to the tune of 3-2, on the road at the small Joppa Hill field in Bedford. This game would be played under sunny skies alongside the Reserves playing Lebanon at the Dresden fields.
Hanover came out sharp and quick. Elias Zinman would open up the scoring in the seventh minute with a ripper into the side netting from a ball from Bauti Gallino. The Marauder would continue their strong pressure with another goal just four minutes later. In the 11th minute, Liam Collins would knock home a goal, hitting a one timer from Eli Silovich, putting it across from the center. Hanover was not through, and got another with their sheer pressure. Christo Dragnev found himself pressuring with his other teammates in the attacking third and into the 18. After winning the ball, Christo fired quickly and beat the keeper in the thirteenth minute. That would be all the scoring for the first half, but Hanover seemed to maintain most of the possession for the remainder of the half.
Urged to keep intensity in a game that could have been easy to get lulled into slower play, Hanover came out of the half hot. Collins would score again in the 43rd minute on a ball from Zinman. Not more than two minutes later, Dragnev would net his second as well cleaning up a rebound with his head on a cross put in by Gallino. Hanover's pressure would be optimized by their next goal in the 50th minute. Bedford felt the pressure and tried to play the ball back to their keeper, where Gallino pressured, won a tackle, and passed the ball into the net. Hanover would net their final goal in the 60th minute. Caleb Benjamin played a ball into the mixer, where Adam Blackburn was able to put a soft volley on it inside the six.
Upon the end of the game the freshman were elated not only with their win, but also the fact that coach Willie's mother had once again baked cookies for the team. Thanks, Claire Lyon!!!!
It was so much fun lets play again tomorrow! The Freshman host Pinkerton at Dresden at 4:30.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Hanover Soccer Schedule Oct. 5 - 10
Mon. Oct. 5 JV Game vs. Memorial at HHS Grass 4:00 p.m.
Varsity Game vs. Memorial at HHS Turf 4:00 p.m.
Freshman Game vs. Bedford at Dresden 4:30 p.m.
Reserve Game vs. Lebanon at Dresden 4:30 p.m.
Tue. Oct. 6 JV Practice at Dresden 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Reserve Game vs. KUA at Dresden 4:30 p.m.
Freshman Game vs. Pinkerton at Dresden 4:30 p.m.
Varsity Practice at HHS Turf 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Wed. Oct. 7 Bus Departs for JV and Varsity Games at Nashua 1:30 p.m.
Freshman and Reserve Practice at Dresden 3:30- 5:00 p.m.
JV Game vs. Nashua North at NNHS 4:30 p.m.
Varsity Game vs. Nashua North at NNHS 4:30 p.m.
Thu. Oct. 8 JV, Reserve and Frosh Practice at Dresden 4:15 - 5:45 p.m.
Varsity Practice at HHS Turf 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 9 Varsity Practice at HHS Turf 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
JV and Freshman Practice at Dresden 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Reserve Game vs. Mount Royal at Dresden 4:30 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 10 JV Game vs. Pinkerton at HHS Grass 10:00 a.m.
Varsity Game vs. Pinkerton at HHS Turf 10:00 a.m.
Freshman Game vs. Keene at HHS Grass 12:00 Noon
Varsity Game vs. Memorial at HHS Turf 4:00 p.m.
Freshman Game vs. Bedford at Dresden 4:30 p.m.
Reserve Game vs. Lebanon at Dresden 4:30 p.m.
Tue. Oct. 6 JV Practice at Dresden 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Reserve Game vs. KUA at Dresden 4:30 p.m.
Freshman Game vs. Pinkerton at Dresden 4:30 p.m.
Varsity Practice at HHS Turf 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Wed. Oct. 7 Bus Departs for JV and Varsity Games at Nashua 1:30 p.m.
Freshman and Reserve Practice at Dresden 3:30- 5:00 p.m.
JV Game vs. Nashua North at NNHS 4:30 p.m.
Varsity Game vs. Nashua North at NNHS 4:30 p.m.
Thu. Oct. 8 JV, Reserve and Frosh Practice at Dresden 4:15 - 5:45 p.m.
Varsity Practice at HHS Turf 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 9 Varsity Practice at HHS Turf 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
JV and Freshman Practice at Dresden 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Reserve Game vs. Mount Royal at Dresden 4:30 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 10 JV Game vs. Pinkerton at HHS Grass 10:00 a.m.
Varsity Game vs. Pinkerton at HHS Turf 10:00 a.m.
Freshman Game vs. Keene at HHS Grass 12:00 Noon
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Marauders Beat Keene 5-0 to move to Fifth Place
Facing a winless Keene squad on Friday at the Merriman-Branch turf, the Marauders avoided the pitfalls of selfish play and dropping to the level of the opposition, creating 80 minutes of crisp, effective soccer in a 5-0 victory. Hanover started knocking on the door right away, and took a 1-0 lead at the 6:23 mark when Asa Berolzheimer set up Sam Strohbehn for his 4th goal of the campaign.
The Marauders continued a steady assault and broke through again midway through the half when a typically effective Henry Kahl cross found Berolzheimer alone in front for his 8th goal of the season,
The Marauders had gone to the bench prior to that second score, but saw no diminished effectiveness when Kahl, Stadheim, Messersmith and Helble entered the contest. Jack Hazard had made his first start of the season, replacing Jonah Levine at holding center mid, and was very effective. Addison Wanner, who was also a starter, tallied his first career assist when Luke Messersmith crashed his cross home at 28:30. It was almost startling to note that this was Luke's first career goal, since he has been scoring in spectacular fashion in scrimmages and practice games. There will be more to come.
Although Hanover didn't score for the remainder of the half, they created some spectacular chances. Dan Healy's header looked like a sure goal inside the right goalpost, but Keene goalkeeper Blake Stockwell made a diving save to deny him, and a few minutes later authored an equally dazzling save to deny Henry Kahl his first career goal. Earlier, Berolzheimer had clanged a free kick off of the junction of the crossbar and the upright.
The Marauders continued their excellent short passing in close quarters at the start of the second half, and Seth Stadheim was the beneficiary in the 44th minute, knocking in his third goal of the season on Kahl's second assist of the afternoon. The great opportunities kept coming. Simon Kahn had one of his two shots cleared off the line. Sthadheim crashed a short-range shot off the crossbar, and luckless Dan Healy saw another sure goal saved by the acrobatic Stockwell.
The final Hanover score came in the 74th minute when one of a series of sweet crosses from Adam Pikelny was redirected into the net by Robbie Murdza for his second goal of the season. Tim Alibozek, working very hard for his next goal, characterized the unselfishness manifested by most of the Marauders when the passed up a great shooting opportunity to slip a square ball to Murdza.
Patrick Logan started the game in goal for Hanover and wasn't tested by any shots, although he used the opportunity to boom a number of long balls down the park when his teammates found him with back passes. Connor Edson took over in goal and had several saves, and two great plays when he was forced to come off his line and dive at the feet of an attacking forward. The shared shutout was the third of the year for the Marauders.
Hanover's win and several losses by some of the top-tier teams elevated them into fifth place in the NHIAA Division One standings, only one slot away from the cherished fourth spot that would guarantee them two home games in the playoffs. "Our destiny is squarely in our own hands," commented Coach Grabill. "If we take care of business the rest of the way, we will be in a position to achieve many of the goals which we set for ourselves."
Next up for Hanover is a home game with Manchester Memorial on Monday, followed by a Wednesday trip to Nashua for a game with Nashua North at Stellos Stadium. The week ends with a critical home match against defending Champion Pinkerton on Saturday morning at Merriman-Branch. "We need to take all of these games seriously," commented Grabill. "Pinkerton, for example, has a losing record, but they are a strong team and will be highly motivated. All of these teams deserve our respect."
The Marauders continued a steady assault and broke through again midway through the half when a typically effective Henry Kahl cross found Berolzheimer alone in front for his 8th goal of the season,
The Marauders had gone to the bench prior to that second score, but saw no diminished effectiveness when Kahl, Stadheim, Messersmith and Helble entered the contest. Jack Hazard had made his first start of the season, replacing Jonah Levine at holding center mid, and was very effective. Addison Wanner, who was also a starter, tallied his first career assist when Luke Messersmith crashed his cross home at 28:30. It was almost startling to note that this was Luke's first career goal, since he has been scoring in spectacular fashion in scrimmages and practice games. There will be more to come.
Although Hanover didn't score for the remainder of the half, they created some spectacular chances. Dan Healy's header looked like a sure goal inside the right goalpost, but Keene goalkeeper Blake Stockwell made a diving save to deny him, and a few minutes later authored an equally dazzling save to deny Henry Kahl his first career goal. Earlier, Berolzheimer had clanged a free kick off of the junction of the crossbar and the upright.
The Marauders continued their excellent short passing in close quarters at the start of the second half, and Seth Stadheim was the beneficiary in the 44th minute, knocking in his third goal of the season on Kahl's second assist of the afternoon. The great opportunities kept coming. Simon Kahn had one of his two shots cleared off the line. Sthadheim crashed a short-range shot off the crossbar, and luckless Dan Healy saw another sure goal saved by the acrobatic Stockwell.
The final Hanover score came in the 74th minute when one of a series of sweet crosses from Adam Pikelny was redirected into the net by Robbie Murdza for his second goal of the season. Tim Alibozek, working very hard for his next goal, characterized the unselfishness manifested by most of the Marauders when the passed up a great shooting opportunity to slip a square ball to Murdza.
Patrick Logan started the game in goal for Hanover and wasn't tested by any shots, although he used the opportunity to boom a number of long balls down the park when his teammates found him with back passes. Connor Edson took over in goal and had several saves, and two great plays when he was forced to come off his line and dive at the feet of an attacking forward. The shared shutout was the third of the year for the Marauders.
Hanover's win and several losses by some of the top-tier teams elevated them into fifth place in the NHIAA Division One standings, only one slot away from the cherished fourth spot that would guarantee them two home games in the playoffs. "Our destiny is squarely in our own hands," commented Coach Grabill. "If we take care of business the rest of the way, we will be in a position to achieve many of the goals which we set for ourselves."
Next up for Hanover is a home game with Manchester Memorial on Monday, followed by a Wednesday trip to Nashua for a game with Nashua North at Stellos Stadium. The week ends with a critical home match against defending Champion Pinkerton on Saturday morning at Merriman-Branch. "We need to take all of these games seriously," commented Grabill. "Pinkerton, for example, has a losing record, but they are a strong team and will be highly motivated. All of these teams deserve our respect."
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tim Alibozek Receives Future Leaders Scholarship
We are thrilled to report that Senior Tim Alibozek has been awarded a $1,000 Future Leaders Scholarship from the Granite State Games. Tim and a number of other Marauders participated in the Games this summer, and he was one of only four male players from all of the GSG sports to receive this very significant honor.
Tim and seven other Hanover players were part of the Monadnock Region team that won the inaugural gold medal in soccer at the Games. The state was divided into four regions: Lakes, Monadnock, Seacoast and South. The Monadnock team, coached by Lebanon Coach Rob Johnstone, was the class of the tournament and won the gold medal handily.
The application process for the Future Leaders Scholarship was extensive, and we are very proud that Tim was chosen from the pool of applicants. He was awarded his scholarship at a ceremony on Wednesday evening. Tryouts for next year's Granite State Games will be held in June.
Tim and seven other Hanover players were part of the Monadnock Region team that won the inaugural gold medal in soccer at the Games. The state was divided into four regions: Lakes, Monadnock, Seacoast and South. The Monadnock team, coached by Lebanon Coach Rob Johnstone, was the class of the tournament and won the gold medal handily.
The application process for the Future Leaders Scholarship was extensive, and we are very proud that Tim was chosen from the pool of applicants. He was awarded his scholarship at a ceremony on Wednesday evening. Tryouts for next year's Granite State Games will be held in June.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Marauders Beat Central 4-1 For a Signature Win
Hosting perennial Division One power Manchester Central in their most important game of the season, the Mauarders overcame an early goal and made it rain on the Little Green, scoring four consecutive times to earn a huge 4-1 win. Hanover's had a number of learning opportunities in the early stages of the season, and they demonstrated that they have grown as a team. They shrugged off the early score, tightened up their defense, and scored some outstanding goals, led by a brace from Senior Captain Jamie Dinulos.
The match didn't begin brightly for the Marauders. Sam Strohbehn nearly scored right off the bat, and the Marauders looked strong in the very early going. But on Central's first foray into Hanover's end, Jackson Schneider got loose in the left corner and centered a ball to the top of the 18, where Little Green All-State midfielder Evan MacDonald had way too much time and space, drilling a shot to the lower left corner to give Central, winners of two of the past four NHIAA D1 titles, a 1-0 lead.
Hanover hardly hesitated, continuing to probe the Central defense. Jake Acker had a good look with his newly-powerful right peg, a Sam Srohbehn corner kick almost got results, and the Marauders actually put the ball into the Central net after a great run by Jamie Dinulos, only to have the goal waved off. Asa Berolzheimer got another chance to practice the free kick that will win a big game down the road, getting too much air this time.
Central didn't have many shots, but they were dangerous. MacDonald got loose at the top of the box once again, and this time Connor Edson made a nice diving save. MacDonald had scored on Edson in last year's loss at Central, and this time around, it was Hanover's senior goalie who would have the last word. Edson was steady and strong all night, handling a number of balls laid back to him with confidence and accuracy. Having held Hanover in the game, he watched the Marauders tie it late in the half.
Substitutes Henry Kahl and Seth Stadheim combined for a score with 5:10 left before the interval.
Asa Berolzheimer started the sequence, controlling the ball at midfield and playing the ball into space for Kahl, zooming in off the right flank, Kahl made a great play to get to the ball before it went over the endline and centered it to a streaking Stadheim, who redirected to ball from the six for his second goal of the year.
It didn't take long for the Marauders to continue their assault in the second half. With only 5:33 elapsed, Asa Berolzheimer got lose on the left side, and crossed the ball to Diuulos, who headed the ball home for a 2-1 lead. It was Jamie's sixth goal of the season, and Berolzheimer's 8th assist.
By now, the Marauders had a stranglehold on the game. The back four was moving the ball decisively, Jonah Levine and Jake Acker were dominating play in the center of the park, and Tim Alibozek was a constant threat up top. Sam Strohbehn was also having his best game of the year, and upped the advantage to 3-1 eight minutes later, taking a short pass from Ian Caldwell on the six year line and converting decisively for his third goal of the year.
Central had no answer for the Marauders. With Caldwell and Sam Pych dominating play in the middle of the park, the Little Green were unable to produce a single shot in the second half, and ended the game with no corner kicks. Edson continued to receive back passes and blast long balls down the field, handling the wet playing conditions with aplomb.
Dinulos put the icing on the cake in the 69th minute, taking a pass from Will Smith and doing his patented tap dance on the baseline, closing on the Central goal and blasting a shot that deflected into the net. The referee, remembering the goals that had been denied earlier in the match, declared that it was not an "own goal", and giving Dinulos the well-earned credit.
The win leapfrogged Hanover over Central and into sixth in the NHIAA Division One standings. The Marauders will need to move up at least two more places to gain their desired second home game in the playoffs, and they have their fate in their own hands, particularly since many of the teams currently ahead of them in the standings will be squaring off against each other in the weeks to come.
Hanover will train for two days and then be hosting Keene on Friday in a 4:00 match.
"We bounced back after a tough 2-1 loss to Bedford on Saturday, we showed resilience and patience when we surrendered an early lead, and closed out the match like pros against a strong and highly-motivated team. This was an excellent result for us," commented Coach Grabill. "We have a lot of work to do, but we can see a lot of progress thus far. We are on schedule and on target to achieve our goal of playing our best soccer when it means the most."
The match didn't begin brightly for the Marauders. Sam Strohbehn nearly scored right off the bat, and the Marauders looked strong in the very early going. But on Central's first foray into Hanover's end, Jackson Schneider got loose in the left corner and centered a ball to the top of the 18, where Little Green All-State midfielder Evan MacDonald had way too much time and space, drilling a shot to the lower left corner to give Central, winners of two of the past four NHIAA D1 titles, a 1-0 lead.
Hanover hardly hesitated, continuing to probe the Central defense. Jake Acker had a good look with his newly-powerful right peg, a Sam Srohbehn corner kick almost got results, and the Marauders actually put the ball into the Central net after a great run by Jamie Dinulos, only to have the goal waved off. Asa Berolzheimer got another chance to practice the free kick that will win a big game down the road, getting too much air this time.
Central didn't have many shots, but they were dangerous. MacDonald got loose at the top of the box once again, and this time Connor Edson made a nice diving save. MacDonald had scored on Edson in last year's loss at Central, and this time around, it was Hanover's senior goalie who would have the last word. Edson was steady and strong all night, handling a number of balls laid back to him with confidence and accuracy. Having held Hanover in the game, he watched the Marauders tie it late in the half.
Substitutes Henry Kahl and Seth Stadheim combined for a score with 5:10 left before the interval.
Asa Berolzheimer started the sequence, controlling the ball at midfield and playing the ball into space for Kahl, zooming in off the right flank, Kahl made a great play to get to the ball before it went over the endline and centered it to a streaking Stadheim, who redirected to ball from the six for his second goal of the year.
It didn't take long for the Marauders to continue their assault in the second half. With only 5:33 elapsed, Asa Berolzheimer got lose on the left side, and crossed the ball to Diuulos, who headed the ball home for a 2-1 lead. It was Jamie's sixth goal of the season, and Berolzheimer's 8th assist.
By now, the Marauders had a stranglehold on the game. The back four was moving the ball decisively, Jonah Levine and Jake Acker were dominating play in the center of the park, and Tim Alibozek was a constant threat up top. Sam Strohbehn was also having his best game of the year, and upped the advantage to 3-1 eight minutes later, taking a short pass from Ian Caldwell on the six year line and converting decisively for his third goal of the year.
Central had no answer for the Marauders. With Caldwell and Sam Pych dominating play in the middle of the park, the Little Green were unable to produce a single shot in the second half, and ended the game with no corner kicks. Edson continued to receive back passes and blast long balls down the field, handling the wet playing conditions with aplomb.
Dinulos put the icing on the cake in the 69th minute, taking a pass from Will Smith and doing his patented tap dance on the baseline, closing on the Central goal and blasting a shot that deflected into the net. The referee, remembering the goals that had been denied earlier in the match, declared that it was not an "own goal", and giving Dinulos the well-earned credit.
The win leapfrogged Hanover over Central and into sixth in the NHIAA Division One standings. The Marauders will need to move up at least two more places to gain their desired second home game in the playoffs, and they have their fate in their own hands, particularly since many of the teams currently ahead of them in the standings will be squaring off against each other in the weeks to come.
Hanover will train for two days and then be hosting Keene on Friday in a 4:00 match.
"We bounced back after a tough 2-1 loss to Bedford on Saturday, we showed resilience and patience when we surrendered an early lead, and closed out the match like pros against a strong and highly-motivated team. This was an excellent result for us," commented Coach Grabill. "We have a lot of work to do, but we can see a lot of progress thus far. We are on schedule and on target to achieve our goal of playing our best soccer when it means the most."
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