The game had inauspicious undertones before the game even started with coach Willie forgetting a ball bag (D'oh!). Alas the opposing team was kind enough to allow us to warm up with the game balls, and Anthony Maynes and Peter Burnham had each brought a ball of their own to allow some 5 v 2 for warm ups (thank you gents). The field was an outfield for a baseball diamond and was rough and wet as there was a slight mist just prior to kick off.
The scoring opened quickly in the 5th minute of play. A Pinkerton striker played a low hard shot that seemed to skid off the turf and skip past Carter Auch for the initial tally of the game. This did not deter the team as they pressed the level of the ball deep into the attacking third. Hanover would level the score in the 12th minute, when Eli Stack would intercept a pass, play it to Latham Allison, make an overlapping run to receive it back and net it cleanly. Hanover would continue to have its chances in the half with Nick Kim putting one over the bar just minutes later on the far post from a cross. David Stoffel would also feel his range from the 18 but hit it squarely at the goalkeeper. Pinkerton wasn't done, though. They would find a striker making a run on a through ball from the middle third and carried it to just above the arc of the 18. There he blasted one past the onrushing Auch, which hit the left post then hit the right side netting. Gray Messersmith had a shot in the waning minutes of the half, but had it knocked down inside the 18 by a flailing elbow. Unfortunately he was not rewarded the penalty.
The second half would have an exciting start to it as well. Pinkerton would receive a penalty kick in the 43rd minute, when Ethan Ross was firmly planted and had a player trip over while trying to deke him. Carter would not be fooled, and saved the low hard shot down to his right. This immediately caused great elation from the Hanover bench and seemed to give the players more impetuous to redouble their efforts. Hanover continued their masterful passing and continued to advance possession into the attacking third. They developed the new tactic for the half of dribbling the ball deep to the goal line and sending it back in front of the goal mouth. When awarded a corner on the left side, Amane Matsouka would come across the pitch from his right wing position to have a chance at an in swinger. Hanover would even the score a second time in the 54th minute. Eli Stack would notch a second goal of the game by taking the ball deep to the goal line juking a couple defenders then flicking past the keeper just outside the six on his left peg. The Marauders took the lead in the 60th minute. Amane Matsouka played a great ball toward the back post where 'Tonio Correa finished easily. Hanover didn't let up with their fight to net another though. After receiving a free kick about 25 yards out, Stoffel would play a great ball in that found the foot of Patrick Osborn for a clean volley finish. Alas, the goal was called off for obstruction by Osborn. Hanover would continue their excellent positioning by shielding the ball and receive numerous free kicks down the stretch. Judd Alexander drew a huge penalty in the defensive third in the final minutes by beating his mark and gaining position (at which point he was knocked flat over). Hanover would have its final chance at goal when Ethan Ross stepped up to take a straight-on free kick from about 30 yards. He struck it hard and it hit the top of the crossbar, only to go out harmlessly for a goal kick.
The freshmen showed the true resolve to continue to play their game. It would have been easy to let this one slip away but we managed our emotions and played intelligent fütball. Our quick passing combinations and possessive style of play has given this team success so far, and will going forward as well. Next up is a road trip to Manchester on Saturday morning for a game with Central High School at 10:00 a.m. The bus leaves at 8:00!
No comments:
Post a Comment