Reserves Drop a 4-2 Decision to Souhegan on Saturday

The first freezing morning of year started off in contrast to hazy days of preseason for the long ride down to Souhegan last Saturday.  Due to a pit stop on the way, the team had only a few minutes to warm up.  That didn't daunt them though as Moritz's presence was instantly felt on the pitch. He easily won the midfield with Lucas and Theo playing a hardworking defensive and deep lying attacking midfielder to start the game.  This allowed him to win possession and make a driving run toward the box and and finish for a goal with ease.

    

Souhegan was a very well coached team. As Gabe said "It's never good when the coach has a British accent." They answered with a breakthrough the line that just got past Andrew.  They added another quickly with well played cross off a run to the far post. Hanover hung there and continued to pressure.  So much that Henry Bernard managed to get tripped up in the box. Theo was chosen to take the kick where he stepped up and coolly put the ball in the net. This day would be one of unlucky breaks and bounces.  One of those bounces would be few minutes before the half where the ball found Deveon's hand while he was looking the other direction in the penalty box.  Souhegan promptly converted the penalty.

Going into the half, Hanover knew they could play with these guys.   The second half opened with Hanover winning the midfield, and created some real chances with Moritz and Eric up front.  This would become tested though when Theo would be taken out of the game with an injury.  Hanover hung in there though with strong runs from Eric Seltzer, Ian, and Moritz, and Vinzent.  On the left side, the Roth brothers locked down the midfield and defense as well created some attacking runs.  The second half would continue to be a back and forth affair until the ever hard working Deveon  would roll his ankle and have to helped off the field and spend the rest of the game sitting on the injury cart.  In the confusion after changing center backs Souhegan broke the middle once again for another score.  There was another chance later for Hanover with those forwards really pressing the back line that created some dangerous corners.  

Even though it was a loss, it was not without some highlights.I know this Reserve team is talented, but I don't know if I ever seen a player execute a Maradona move with such ease that I almost didn't see it, as well make an opposing player trip on his own legs.  It was also quite a site turning around seeing the two captains on the injury bench while one of them was trying to help another of our top scorers Henry Bernard stretch his injury.   Sitting next to this them was another sub asking to go back in while holding ice on his knee.  Rather than a woeful sight it showed resolve and grit on Hanover's part.  Next up for the young guys is Sharon Academy on Wednesday.