Hanover Loses 1-0 Overtime Thriller to Lebanon

Hanover's latest clash with longstanding rival Lebanon lived up to the hype engendered by a clash between unbeaten teams, and despite holding an edge in play for long stretches, the Marauders lost a 1-0 decision on a goal scored in the final minute of the second sudden death overtime period. The loss dropped Hanover's record to 4-1-1, and ended a 52-game unbeaten streak for the Marauders. Lebanon continued their winning streak and are now 8-0 on the season and firmly in place on top of the heap in Class I. The two teams will meet again next Wednesday in Hanover.

After 80 minutes of scoreless soccer in regulation, the Marauders turned up the heat in the first 19 minutes of overtime, outshooting Lebanon 6-0 and earning four corner kicks. The well-coached Raider defense held firm, and as the match entered the final minute of extra time, Lebanon was awarded a free kick 35 yards from the Hanover goal. Raider center back Josh Goodrich hit a long, high ball across the face of the goal, where Avery Hymel connected with a looping header back into the box, finding an unmarked Cooper Hardy. The Raider center midfielder popped a header over Sam Gest, and Lebanon earned its first win over Hanover since the 2001 season.

There was not much to suggest that Hanover was in danger of losing during most of regulation. The Marauders enjoyed a significant territorial advantage, and come close to scoring several times. Eric Jayne had several good chances as both a creator and finisher on short corners, and Hayden Pressy-Murray got on the end of a nice crossing ball by Matt Barth, but his shot sailed high. Raider goalkeeper Jimmy Kane handled a number of high crosses from Nate Hanna with Jayne pressuring him well. Lebanon worked hard on defense and at midfield, and near the end of the half created two good scoring chances. Brady Boisvert worked open for a hard shot that sailed straight into the arms of Sam Gest, who had to work harder to deflect Hymel's bid, deflecting it past the post with a nice dive to his right.

Hanover continued to probe for shots in the second half. Ben Harris worked free for several shots from the top of the 18, but none of them were truly testers. Jayne found himself free in the box from close range twice, but was ruled offsides. Lebanon had a few perfunctory offers, but nothing terribly dangerous. Sam Gest came off his line twice to effectively blunt two of the best chances, and the game rolled into overtime.

Hanover acted like the team that wanted to win once extra time began. Both Jayne and Aaron Segura authored good opportunities, and the Marauders earned three of their corner kicks in the first period alone. Segura sent Jayne in alone with a nice lead pass, but Kane was quick off his line to smother the bid. Gest and the Hanover defenders were mostly spectating. The second overtime was similar. Yet another Marauder corner kick produced a dangerous scramble in the box, but Dan Remillard's close-range bid was off target. Segura continued his improved play and earned another shot, but to no avail.

With the Hanover offense pressing, perhaps a bit incautiously, Lebanon launched a counteratack and came forward with numbers. The Marauder line dropped well, and then Gunnar Shaw, a warrior all afternoon, stepped properly to stop the ball. The Hanover back did a great job standing up sophomore Jordan Koloski, and then turning him. As the 6'1" senior continued to ride the 5'7" sophomore, a whistle 40 yards back upfield gave the Raiders a free kick, and Lebanon's execution was good enough to give them the goal that ended eight years and 18 games of frustration.

Hanover, stunned, rose to the occasion. They lined up to congratulate their Lebanon counterparts and thank the officials, and as they delayed their post-game run across the field to allow Lebanon their solo spot in the limelight, they offered no excuses. Coach Grabill summed it up well on behalf of his troops: "Lebanon was the better team today. We're looking forward to our game with them next Wednesday. We'll try to learn from this and get back to work tomorrow."

The Lebanon JV made a clean sweep of their homestand, defeating Hanover 3-0 to hand the Marauders their first loss of the season.