The Marauders played some of their best soccer of the season Saturday, topping visiting Bedford 1-0 in a clash of two of the best teams in NHIAA Division II. The win gives Hanover a record of 8-0-0, making them one of only two teams in the Division without a loss or a tie. They have won twenty games in a row, dating back to the loss to Lebanon early last season.
After a stalemated first half that ended in a scoreless time, the Marauders turned up the heat in the second half and got the game-wining goal from freshman Daniel Hazlett at the 53-minute mark. From there, Hanover manifested a combination of airtight defense and continued offensive pressure to snag a quality win against a very strong opponent.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Stuart Pepper, Bedford has capitalized on a number of resources to evolve into one of the top programs in Division II. After losing their opener to Souhegan by a 1-0 score, the Bulldogs had won seven in a row with a sophomore-studded lineup. They have arrived as one of the best team in the Division, and will remain in the upper echelon for years to come.
Hanover was equal to the challenge, raising their game and demonstrating both composure and depth. The resulting match was one of those rare regular-season confrontations with playoff intensity and big-game quality. Both teams played well, and both left the pitch with the knowledge that it might not be the last time they would meet.
The Shot totals for the first-half were somewhat deceiving: Bedford managed only two shots at the Hanover goal, and they outshot the Marauders, who managed one. Both teams, however, made a number of good opportunities. After a long stretch of midfield sparring, Bedford forward Erik Martel shook loose for a clean shot at the Hanover goal, but his low, hard shot was gobbled up by Stefan Dyroff. Eric Jayne, the subject of a lot of attention by Bedford defenders, broke loose briefly and was surprised to find himself onsides as he approached the goal. His perfunctory shot grazed the top of the crossbar.
Late in the half, Jayne was tripped on the right flank as he turned the corner, and the ensuing free kick whistled through a packed penalty area with no takers. Daniel Hazlett, subbed in up front to replace a continually-improving Isaiah Fariel, raced into the left corner and forced a hand ball on Bulldog keeper Taylor Wallace, who had come off his line to field a ball at the edge of his box, and was forced into the foul by Hazlett's pace and anticipation. That resulting free kick was also a dangerous one, but it came to naught, and the halftime score of 0-0 reflected the tenor of the game.
Hanover wasted no time putting the pressure on Bedford at the start of the second half. They earned three corner kicks in the first ten minutes, and both Matt Barth and Forrest Pratt came close on headers. The Marauders were winning midfield battles as well, and after one tussle involving Eric Jayne and Ben Harris and their Bulldog counterparts, Harris emerged with the ball and slid a masterful lead pass to a streaking Hazlett, who took a touch at the edge of the box, opened his hips, and drove the ball inside the right post for his fourth score of the season.
Bedford battled back, but the Hanover defense was more than equal to the challenge. Connor Bentivoglio and Hayden Pressey-Murray got stronger as the game went on, and Pressey-Murray in particular had a couple of weak-side headers that were crucial. Matt Barth and Robin Smith continued their strong play in the middle. Smith never backed down on 50-50 balls and was flawless in the air. Barth's tackling in close quarters kept the smaller, faster Bulldogs from working free. Finally, Bedford Captain Matt Cote got a great look at the back post and drove a head ball to the opposite lower corner. Stefan Dyroff made an amazing dive to his right, fully extending all 6'6" of himself and pushing the sure goal just wide of the post. With the save, Dyroff announced to the rest of Division II that Hanover's defense is Championship quality, and he's one of the best goalies in the state.
Having absorbed Bedford's best efforts, the Marauders regained the initiative and spend most of the balance of the game pressing for a second goal. Keegan Gantrish nearly scored in a goalmouth scramble, Pedro Celaya was a constant threat, and Bulldog keeper Wallace was the busiest man on the pitch. Bedford had a few thrusts at the death of the match, but Hanover's ability to finish off the game kept the lead safe, and the Marauders celebrated a well-earned statement win.
The weeks ahead are full of challenges for Hanover. They travel to Hollis in a week, and still have the Lebanon derbies lurking on the horizon. Nevertheless, they have done everything asked of them thus far, and remain resolved to continue their hard work to get better, half by half and game by game.
No comments:
Post a Comment