Hanover overcame a number of challenges to beat a pesky Nashua North team 2-1 in overtime, keeping the Marauders right at the top of the table in Division One play. Jake Acker's fifth goal of the season in the final minutes of the first overtime helped Hanover win their sixth game in a row and gave them a 10-1 mark, tying them with Bedford for second place in the standings, half a game south of Timberlane.
The Marauders dominated play in the early going, but despite the territorial edge there were not many shot opportunities. Nashua North was skillful, but they were denied time and space by a typically tough Hanover defense, and hurt themselves by attempting a number of shots from long distance. Their one legitimate shot in this stretch was by Jimmy Gutierrez, whose attempt was snuffed by center back Sam Smith.
Sam Strohbehn and Casey Starr each generated several decent chances, and Strohbehn had a strong shot blocked by a defender on the way to an open corner. Luke Messersmith broke the ice in the 32nd minute, taking down a superb midfield crossing pass from Jake Acker and then hitting a wonderful shot across the grain and into the right side netting for a 1-0 lead. Messersmith has been dogged by injuries thus far, but showed the striking power that will make him a critical part of Hanover's offense in the stretch run.
Unfortunately, the Marauders didn't hold the lead for long. Three minutes later, Hanover surrendered the tying goal when Joao Santana-Neto took a pass from Henry Rogel and found space on the right flank, well out from the goal. Goalkeeper Hans Williams had started off his line, and was stranded when Santana-Neto hit a nasty chip shot that found the back of the net.
Confident that they could break the time after halftime, the Marauders came close on several occasions. Veteran Nashua North goalkeeper Brett LeBlanc made a sprawling save at Casey Starr's feet five minutes into the second half. Charlie Adams found room in the box for a couple of headers that made their way into LeBlanc's hands, the best of these on a cross from Strohbehn. Jake Acker
also got loose on the box for a header that didn't connect.
Hanover took a hit in the 65th minute when a player received a yellow card for dissent. It was the first card of the season for the Marauders, and their first in more than a year, ending their hopes for the NSCAA Ethics Award. It stung all the more because it came as the result of complaining about a call, a completely controllable act.
The Marauders continued to seek a game winner as time wound down, and almost connected when Griffin Johnson got loose on the right side, but hit his close-range shot over the top. Regulation ended with the teams tied 1-1, and the teams prepared for two ten-minute golden goal overtimes.
LeBlanc continued his excellent work in the Nashua North goal in overtime, saving a good shot from Strohbehn, and then ranging off his line to snare a dangerous cross. With less than two minutes remaining, a Nashua North foul at the edge of the penalty area and close to the end line gave the Marauders the opportunity they needed. Sam Strohbehn took the kick and send a hard serve into the box, where it was deflected by Simon Kahan, and fell at the feet of Jack Acker, who easily converted for his third goal in three games.
"We were poorly prepared for this game, and I take that responsibility," commented Coach Grabill.
"I gave the team the impression that this would be an easy game, and that set the wrong tone. We were able to win because a number of players kept their composure and helped us find a way. Our defense was solid all game, and we'll work hard to get our rhythm back offensively."
The Marauders will have a challenge on their hands with Homecoming foe Manchester Memorial.
The Crusaders are 7-3-1 and own a 1-0 victory over Bedford. They are talented and contentious, it will take skill, tactical maturity and composure to beat them. Hanover will be asking everyone attending the 6:30 match to bring non-perishable food items for The Haven.
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