Game and Practice Schedule Oct. 10-15

Monday, October 10

                                               

Varsity Training at Dresden                                                                           3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 11

Practice Bus Departs for Dresden                                                                   3:45 p.m.

Freshman, and Reserve  Training at Dresden                                                 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

JV and Varsity Games at Timberlane – Bus Departs at 1:05                          4:00  p.m.

Wednesday, October 12

Practice Bus Departs for Dresden                                                                   2:45 p.m.

Freshman and JV  Training at Dresden                                                           3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Reserve Game at KUA – Bus Departs 2:30                                                    3:30 p.m.

Varsity Training – HHS Turf                                                                          4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 13

Practice Bus Departs for Dresden                                                                   3:45 p.m.

Reserve Training at Dresden                                                                           4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Freshman Game at Bishop Guertin – Bus Departs 2:05                                 4:30 p.m.

JV Game vs. Dover at HHS Grass                                                                  4:00 p.m.

Varsity Game vs. Dover at HHS Turf                                                             4:00 p.m.

Friday, October 14

Practice Bus Departs for Dresden                                                                   3:45 p.m.

JV, Freshman, and Reserve  Training at Dresden                                           4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Varsity Training at HHS Turf                                                                         7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday,  October 15

Reserve Game at Souhegan – Bus Departs 8:00 a.m.                                     10:30 a.m.

Varsity Game vs. Alvirne at HHS turf                                                             12:00 Noon
JV Game vs. Alvirne - HHS grass                                                                   12:00 Noon

Reserves Tie Lebanon 1-1 in Rematch

Wednesday's rematch with Lebanon started on an unusually warm, bright and sunny day.  This would play a role we soon found out.  The players were there, but something seemed off.   There was strong individual play, but there were miscues and a sense of the team not being there. These remarks wouldn't be made if we knew the team was not capable of more.  This team is capable, though.

  There was some moments of hope in the first half.  Theo Sparks was doing good work in the middle moving to width as well using the fullbacks. Daniel Felde and Tenzing Rumrill were creating some long balls down the side line.  Daniel Felde also had a notable run down the line where he beat the defender cut inside and placed a slick little chip off the outside of his foot.  It was on frame, but the keeper got in time.  The threats continued down both sides Lebanon forced to kick the ball out.  There was a wonderful ball served by Gabe Loud to Ian Surat-Mosher

  Alas, Lebanon was no pushover, They were fit and organized.  They  challenged for the ball and capitilized on mistakes.  This was no more evident in the first 15 minutes when the defense got caught off guard with the sun in their eyes, and Lebanon broke through for the goal.  The pressure would be felt by Hanover a number of times with corners and near misses on goal.   Though both sides were attacking, it still remained only 1-0 at half-time

  At the break, the seniors acknowledged their lack of intensity and seemed to come out with more focus, and composure. It started with the defense.  The hustle from Dan Wilson and Dimitri Somoff, Calm leadership from Avery Wallis, and fearlessness from Wilson  Rimberg resulting in some critical defensive headers and some collisions reminiscent of last year.   Andrew Enelow was solid as ever with ever steady hands and courageous well timed charges from the goal line.  

  

 The defensive work allowed the midfield to get into the game.  The midfielders started winning challenges, communicating, and connecting passes with good work from everyone including Aidan Connolly and Liam Abbate. Then, with about 15 minutes to go the ten seniors and one freshman went from being 11 individuals working hard to a team of players who have been playing together all season or in some cases the past four years.  It was just in time as well.  With less than 10 minutes left Harry Olszewski collected a pass from the defense where he then astutely played it forward to Sam Lutz, and with his magic left boot put the ball to save the honor of what could be the Senior Reserves' last home game.  

     An overtime was agreed upon.  Though no goals were scored it proved that the Reserve team has the capacity to play really good soccer.  The chances really started to come. This unity culminated in what be called the play of the day  Tenzing Rumrill made a spot on throw to Gabe  Loud, who turned and played an arching cross with Sam Lutz running near post and  Daniel Felde driving toward toward the far post to arrive at the goal just in time to meet for a header that just went over.  Even though it was not a goal, it was a beautiful demonstration of passing and movement.  Now we just need that for 80 minutes.

     

    Next up for the Reserves is an away game Wednesday at Kimball Union.

More Marauder Magic in OT; Hanover 2, Memorial 1

Hanover celebrated Homecoming in fine fashion Friday under the lights, rallying to defeat Manchester Memorial in overtime 2-1 on a golden goal by Charlie Adams.  It was the second overtime win in a row for the Marauders, who have now won seven games in a row to push their record to 11-1, setting up a Tuesday showdown with top-ranked Timberlane.

The match with Memorial was billed as a battle of playoff contenders, and it didn't disappoint. Played in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd (who contributed a LOT of food for the Haven), the game was hotly-contested and physical, and featured back and forth action.  Memorial scored first and pushed the Hanover defense as hard as any opponent all season.  Hanover's response was to play some of their best soccer of the season, as they patiently played their way back in the match, knocking on the door several times in the first half, and then pressing hard throughout the rest of the game until they were rewarded with a spectacular goal to decide things.

Memorial broke on top in the 10th minute of the match, after a Crusader corner kick had been cleared.  The ball was in a scrum 35 yards from the Hanover goal, and Memorial striker Rodrigo Rodriguez controlled it and fired a quick, hard, accurate shot that surprised Pat Logan in goal and found its way inside the far post.  Hanover responded by carefully establishing control of the game at midfield, led by Sam Strohbehn and Jake Acker. Ten minutes after Memorial's goal. Acker hit a hard shot that barely missed the post, and the impact was palpable on the Hanover bench:  "Phew!  We're going to be ok!"  Five minutes later a long throw from the left corner by Will Smith filtered through the box and found Marcus Helble, whose soft volley was on target but scooped up by Crusader goalie Connor Page.  Smith's next long throw found David Seigne stationed off the near post, and his header almost snuck in the near corner before Page hustled over and grabbed it.  With ten minutes to go in the half Strohbehn brought the crowd to its feel with a wicked drive from the edge of the penalty area that clanged off the right upright.

The Marauders broke through to tie the match with five minutes left.  Henry Kahl found room on the right baseline and fed the ball to Charlie Adams in front.  Adams shoveled the ball to Luke Messersmith, closing from the left side, and the lanky senior hit paydirt for his second goal in two games and third in five.  He's heating up.  A minute later it was almost 2-0 when a long cross fro Casey Starr on the left flank eluded Henry Kahl at the right post.

Predictably, the Marauders started the second half with their hair on fire. There were several scrambles in front of the Memorial goal, and after the second one of these Casey Starr emerged to drive the ball just past the right post.  Shortly there was another, even crazier scramble, but no one could get a final touch.  Memorial's offense had been quiet since their goal, but they began establishing themselves, and Logan was forced to make a good save on a long, high free kick.
Hanover's pressure resulted on let another melee in front of the Memorial goal, with Acker and Charlie Adams both hitting good shots that were somehow saved.

The Marauders were calm heading into overtime, and got right to work in the Memorial end.  A cross from the left corner just missed connecting with Kahl at the right post, and then near disaster.  Memorial counterattacked with skill and precision into the Hanover end, and three quick passes isolated Crusader Captain Jordan Tremblay alone in front of the Marauder goal.  Tremblay's low, hard shot was somehow saved by a diving Patrick Logan, who held it with no rebound.  This was the save of the year, and it turned the game around.  Shortly afterwards, Sam Strohbehn made a dazzling solo run through midfield, toasting two defenders, and penetrating to the edge of the box before sliding a pass into space for David Seigne.  The hard-working senior used speed and skill to get past the defender, and squared a ball into the box for Charlie Adams, who received it and swiftly tucked it into the goal for the win.  It was the seventh goal of the season for Adams, and his second game-winner.

This was a total team win for Hanover, and took them to another level. Faced with a significant challenge, they mustered composure and creativity, and earned the sort of win comes only one or twice a season if you're lucky.  Bigger challenges await.  On Tuesday, the Marauders take to the highway to play Timberlane, 12-1 on the season and alone in first place.  Hanover beat the Owls 2-0 in Plaistow last season, but this year's version is more experienced, more confident, and according to scouting reports, harder working.  It will come at a perfect time for the Marauders, who believe in themselves and understand that they are capable of greatness.  It's October.  It's time to get serious.

Marauders Take On Memorial

Three Hanover teams will play Manchester Memorial High School this weekend.

The Junior Varsity boys will host Memorial on Friday at 4:00 at the Dresden Fields.

The Varsity will host Memorial on Friday at 6:30 at the HHS turf field.  We will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Haven Food Pantry at the game (and also at the girls' 4:00 game) and would love your help with this!

The Freshmen will play at Memorial at Noon on Saturday.  The bus will leave at 10:00.  The game is being played at Memorial High School.  For GPS users, the address is:  1 Crusader Way, Manchester, NH  03103.

Marauders Beat Nashua North 2-1 in Overtime; Now 10-1

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.

Junior Varsity Beats Nashua North 3-2; Eighth In A Row

The Marauder JV continued to show composure in close games, beating Nashua North 3-2 for their eighth win in a row. Blake Palmer broke a 2-2 tie early in the second half to give Hanover the win that pushed their record to 10-1 on the season.

Colm Seigne opened the scoring in the first minute of the game, converting the rebound of a shot by Christo Dragnev off the left post for his fourth goal of the season.  Nashua North tied the game with a penalty kick in the 14th minute after Gary Li's tackle in the box was judged to be a foul.

The Marauders regained the lead six minutes later when Harris LaRock his a goal kick that was collected by Sawyer Hanlon, who found the time and space to race in on the goal and score his third goal in four games.  Once again Nashua North equalized with 13 minutes to go in the half when a player found room in the center and beat LaRock with a shot from the top of the penalty area.

Eight minutes into the second half, Palmer took a pass from Owen Stadheim and hit a blast form 20 yards out to give the Marauders the lead for the final time.  It was Palmer's fourth goal of the year and third in the past four games.

The win was the third one-goal margin for the Marauders in a row, and the fourth in the last five games.  Hanover continues their homestand with the program's first-ever Homecoming game played in Vermont.  They will host Manchester Memorial at 4:00 at the Dresden Fields.  Fans are asked to bring contributions of non-perishable food items to the game for donation to the Haven Food Pantry.

Schedule Updates and "Save The Dates"

Wednesday's Varsity and JV games against Nashua North are at 4:00.  The time has been listed as 4:30 in several places.

Wednesday's Reserve game with Lebanon at Dresden is at 4:45.  That's wicked inconvenient, but it needs to be at that time.  There will be sufficient daylight. The bus will leave HHS at 2:45.  There will be adult supervision at Dresden at all times.  Players may go home at the end of school at 2:00 and then go to the game with parents, if that is easier.  Players should be at the field no later than 4:00.

Practice will end 30 minutes early on Thursday, at 5:00, to allow for the Open House.  The bus will leave Dresden shortly after 5:00.  There are no Reserve or Freshman practices on Friday.  The Freshman bus for Memorial on Saturday will leave at 10:00 sharp.  We will provide directions to the Memorial field when we receive them.

This Friday, we will be collecting food for The Haven at both JV and Varsity boys' games (as well as the girls' games at HHS).  Please not that the JV game with Memorial on Friday will be played at Dresden at 4:00.  Please try to bring non-perishable food items to all games.

Saturday, October 15th is Senior Day.  The Varsity Game with Alvirne is at 2:00.  ALL seniors from Varsity and Reserves and their parents will be honored before the game at 1:00.  We are hoping to get all 27 seniors there!  Please make plans to attend, and please RSVP to Coach Grabill.

The final games for Freshmen and Reserves will be at Cardigan Mountain School on Saturday, October 22.  All Reserves will attend the game.  We'll get everyone in the game (just like Touchline this summer!).  Cardigan is also hosting a food drive, and we ask all players to bring generous amounts of non-perishable food.

The final games for the Junior Varsity will be the Tournament at Nashua on Sunday, October 23rd.  The bus will depart at 6:00 a.m.  The schedule and location (either North or South) will be announced shortly.

The Varsity is likely to host a NHIAA Quarterfinal game on Saturday, October 29 at HHS at 2:00.  Save the date!

All four teams (with parents, siblings and friends) will gather in the HHS gym on Thursday, November 10th for our annual Soccer Celebration.  We will have the famous Dessert Potluck, followed by awards and SHORT speeches, followed by the annual music recital.  Players, start thinking about potential performances.