The Marauders shook off any ill effects of their recent loss and regained their scoring touch in a one-sided game against Pembroke Academy, scoring early and often to earn a 6-0 victory Friday evening at chilly Merriman-Branch Field. There was a hint of frost in the air at kickoff, but Hanover was red hot from the start, taking a 1-0 lead on Junior Eric Jayne's sixth goal of the season, a first time volley into the corner on a nice feed from Ben Harris in the fifth minute. Both Jayne and Harris were buzzing the Pembroke goal, and when they took a break prior to the 20-minute mark, it didn't take long for Isaiah Fariel to double the score with his second goal of the season, assisted by hard-working Jonathan Fenton, who came close to scoring several times before turning playmaker and earning his first varsity point.
Ben Harris then took the game over with two long-range bombs in rapid succession, giving the Marauders a 4-0 lead to close out the half. Nate Hanna assisted on the first and Jayne collected the helper on the second.
Even with a number of substitutes in the lineup to start the second half, the quality of play remained high, as Hanover camped out in the Pembroke half of the field and dominated the play. Seven minutes into the half Sean Gemunden controlled the ball on the right flank and sent a sweet centering pass to Trey Rebman at the top of the penalty area. Rebman drilled a shot just under the crossbar for his first varsity goal, making the score 5-0.
A new back four of Umland, Tecca, Smith and Bentivoglio entered the game and acquitted itself splendidly, with Robin making an outstanding tackle minutes after coming in, saving the clean sheet for the Marauders. All four handled the ball confidently and started a number of counterattacks. Equally strong at midfield was the duo of Ross Johnston and Brendan Barth, flanked by Adam Kline-Schoder and Sam Farnham. Forrest Pratt broke into the scoring column in the 64th minute, taking a pass from Roland Hermann-Stanzel deep on the right side and hitting a long shot that tucked into the far upper corner from a severe angle.
The only remaining drama in the match came with 12 minutes left, when an errant computer somewhere in Omaha (or any angry abutter, tired of all of the cheering) pulled the plug on three of the four light towers, plunging the field into near darkness. While both teams waited for the lights to turn on, several of the started made the mistake of challenging the ball boys to a small-sided game and were promptly defeated. Rob Johnstone, camped in the stands in a trench coat and fake beard, cheered wildly. Wednesday's coming.
When the lights came back on line, the Marauders on the field made the wait worth it by playing intelligent, attractive soccer. Fenton and Pedro Celaya came close to scoring several times, and Chris Tecca came roaring out of the back to head a centering pass just wide, imitating his hero Gunnar Shaw.
Next week the Marauders host back to back games on the turf, hosting Bishop Brady on Tuesday at 6:00, and resuming the even more storied Lebanon rivalry on Wednesday at 6:30. The latter game will also encompass the 4th Annual Haven Food Drive. All players, parents and spectators from both teams (Lebanon works hard on this, too!) are asked to being non-perishable food items to be collected for the food pantry at The Haven in White River Junction. The need has never been greater, and the potential for a big crowd may help the Upper Valley soccer community do their part to help its neighbors.
The Marauder Junior Varsity also got on the winning track against Pembroke, beating the visitors 3-1 on goals by Connor Gordon, Ian Strohbehn (assisted by Ryan Brigham), and by Brigham on a well-executed free kick, assisted by Christopher Harwick. Alex Woods stopped every Pembroke shot, allowing only a well-placed goal by one of his own defenders.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Soccer Schedule Updates
There have been several schedule changes for upcoming games, mostly due to the revision of the HHS facility schedule (and the availability of the turf!)
To confirm:
Friday, Sept. 25
JV vs. Pembroke 5:00p.m. Turf Field
Varsity vs Pembroke 7:00 Turf Field
(the match was scheduled for 6:30, but there is no way that the JV game will finish before 6:30, and Pembroke needs time to warm up on the turf.)
Tuesday, Sept. 29
JV vs. Bishop Brady 4:30 Grass Field
Varsity vs. Bishop Brady 6:00 Turf Field (following JV Football)
Wednesday, Sept. 30
JV vs. Lebanon 4:30 Turf Field
Varsity vs. Lebanon 6:30 Turf Field
Saturday, October 3
Reserves vs. Coe-Brown 12:30 Turf Field
(previously scheduled for 11:00 on the grass field)
To confirm:
Friday, Sept. 25
JV vs. Pembroke 5:00p.m. Turf Field
Varsity vs Pembroke 7:00 Turf Field
(the match was scheduled for 6:30, but there is no way that the JV game will finish before 6:30, and Pembroke needs time to warm up on the turf.)
Tuesday, Sept. 29
JV vs. Bishop Brady 4:30 Grass Field
Varsity vs. Bishop Brady 6:00 Turf Field (following JV Football)
Wednesday, Sept. 30
JV vs. Lebanon 4:30 Turf Field
Varsity vs. Lebanon 6:30 Turf Field
Saturday, October 3
Reserves vs. Coe-Brown 12:30 Turf Field
(previously scheduled for 11:00 on the grass field)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Reserve Team Drops a Road Game to Bedford, 2-0
Hanover's boys Reserve team traveled to far-away Bedford High School on Wednesday afternoon. Our team felt very privileged and honored to be given the chance to play on the spectacular turf field at Bedford.
Hanover's team was short a few players, but had nineteen to play at the start of the match. The Marauders' strategy of high pressure defending and keep it out of the middle at all costs mentality seemed to pay of for most of the first half. Ryan O'Rourke saved the team several times with fantastic reactive saves and good positioning. In the final minute of the half a Bedford player took a strike from outside the 18 yard box into the right side of the goal past O'Rourke, making the score Bedford 1, Hanover 0 at the half.
Central midfielders Eben Holbrook and Oren Wilcox came out strongly in the second half, repeatedly tackling the ball out of Bedford's possession. Alex Brown worked intensely on getting the ball into Bedford's half of the field and crossing it into striking partners Michael Yukica, and David White. Fifteen minutes in Hanover got their first shooting opportunity. A free kick outside the box from Robert Wild narrowly sailed over the far post and behind the net.
With Bedford having a combined total of nearly 30 shots Ryan O'Rourke's performance was phenomenal. Again in the final two minutes of the game Bedford snuck another into the Hanover net, amking the final score Bedford 2, Hanover 0. It was a great effort from the Hanover Reserve team, which continued improvement. The team will take a day off Thursday, and will resume practice on Friday, Sept. 25th.
Hanover's team was short a few players, but had nineteen to play at the start of the match. The Marauders' strategy of high pressure defending and keep it out of the middle at all costs mentality seemed to pay of for most of the first half. Ryan O'Rourke saved the team several times with fantastic reactive saves and good positioning. In the final minute of the half a Bedford player took a strike from outside the 18 yard box into the right side of the goal past O'Rourke, making the score Bedford 1, Hanover 0 at the half.
Central midfielders Eben Holbrook and Oren Wilcox came out strongly in the second half, repeatedly tackling the ball out of Bedford's possession. Alex Brown worked intensely on getting the ball into Bedford's half of the field and crossing it into striking partners Michael Yukica, and David White. Fifteen minutes in Hanover got their first shooting opportunity. A free kick outside the box from Robert Wild narrowly sailed over the far post and behind the net.
With Bedford having a combined total of nearly 30 shots Ryan O'Rourke's performance was phenomenal. Again in the final two minutes of the game Bedford snuck another into the Hanover net, amking the final score Bedford 2, Hanover 0. It was a great effort from the Hanover Reserve team, which continued improvement. The team will take a day off Thursday, and will resume practice on Friday, Sept. 25th.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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.
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.
Reserve Deprture Tim Changed
The departure time for Wednesday's Reserve match at Bedford has been changed from 2:30 to 2:00 (immediately after the end of the school day). The match is at 4:30 at Bedford High School.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Reserves Down Hartford, 2-1
The Marauder Reserve team continued a run of good play with a 2-1 home victory over Hartford Monday afternoon in Norwich. Ryan O'Rourke scored on a pretty give and go with Daniel Slayton, and Alex Brown was on the spot to knock in the rebound of a high shot by Michael Yukica that the Hurricane goalie stopped, but could not control. It was Alex's fourth goal in the past five games. Duncan Piper did an excellent job in goal for Hanover to collect the win. The Marauders return to action Wednesday afternoon with a road game at Bedford.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Soccer Schedule Sept. 21-27
Monday, Sept. 21
Reserve Game vs. Hartford 4:30 p.m. Norwich Field
JV Practice at Huntley 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Varsity Practice at Huntley 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Reserve Practice at Norwich 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
JV Game at Lebanon 4:30 p.m. Depart 3:15
Varsity Game at Lebanon 4:30 p.m. Depart 3:15
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Reserve Game at Bedford 4:30 p.m. Depart 2:00
JV Practice at Huntley 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Varsity Practice at HHS turf 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Varsity Potluck Dinner at HHS Cafeteria 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 24
No Reserve Practice
JV Practice at Huntley 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Varsity Practice at HHS turf 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 25
Reserve Practice at Norwich 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
JV Game vs. Pembroke HHS turf 5:00 p.m.
Varsity Game vs. Pembroke HHS turf 6:45 p.m.
Saturday/ Sunday Sept. 26-27
No Team Activities
Reserve Game vs. Hartford 4:30 p.m. Norwich Field
JV Practice at Huntley 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Varsity Practice at Huntley 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Reserve Practice at Norwich 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
JV Game at Lebanon 4:30 p.m. Depart 3:15
Varsity Game at Lebanon 4:30 p.m. Depart 3:15
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Reserve Game at Bedford 4:30 p.m. Depart 2:00
JV Practice at Huntley 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Varsity Practice at HHS turf 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Varsity Potluck Dinner at HHS Cafeteria 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 24
No Reserve Practice
JV Practice at Huntley 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Varsity Practice at HHS turf 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 25
Reserve Practice at Norwich 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
JV Game vs. Pembroke HHS turf 5:00 p.m.
Varsity Game vs. Pembroke HHS turf 6:45 p.m.
Saturday/ Sunday Sept. 26-27
No Team Activities
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