Training Camp Report - Wednesday Meeting Set

For the past eight years, the Varsity has traveled to the Windridge Tennis and Sports Camp in Roxbury, VT, soon after the team has been named.  They scrimmage two or three quality Vermont opponents and spend time getting to know each other and bonding as a team.  It's evolved into a cherished tradition, particularly the evening campfire, complete with s'mores.

Monday's trip to Windridge has worked very well thus far.  The weather has been warm but not oppressive, the opposition has been good, and the results have been impressive.  The sleepy Marauders beat Northfield/Williamstown 2-1 in 9:00 a.m. game on a dewy field.  Charlie Adams opened the scoring, and Latham Allison iced the game with a goal that made up in accuracy what it lacked in velocity.  Hans Williams made several good saves to earn the win in goal.  After a hearty chicken dinner, Hanover trudged down to the field  (probably in the best shape ever) and squared off a strong Burr and Burton team.

Burr and Burton had worked hard in their morning game against Essex, and has less rest.  Even taking that into account, Hanover's 5-0 victory was impressive.  The Marauders led 1-0 at halftime on a goal by Aiden Rowley, and then scored three high quality goals in 20 minutes to impose themselves on the opposition.  Charlie Adams had a rip from the top of the 18, Gary Li FINALLY scored on a corner kick header from Liam Collins, and Christo Dragnev continued his impressive run of preseason goal scoring, taking an adroit pass from Adams and slotting home his third tally of the preseason.

Even when Hanover subbed, they continued to dominate.  The Marauders maintained their  edge in possession and scored a fifth goal late in the game, a sweet left-footer from Toño Correa from the top of the box that tucked just under the crossbar.  Hanover outshot B&B 21-3, and could have scored another five goals were it not for the acrobatic efforts of the B&B keeper.  Props to the midfield trio of Adams, Collins and Matty Gardner, who are already in midseason form, and itching to play longer stretches. The Marauders also got excellent play from Varsity first-year players Amane Matsuoka, David Stoffel, Will Blinkhorn, Ethan Ross, Nathan Subrahmanian, Dylan Kotlowitz, Judd Alexander, and Patrick Osborn.  All got significant minutes. This is a deep, deep, talented team.

Tonight, we will have a team meeting, watch film, and then fire up the campfire, sit in a circle, hold hands, and sing "Kumbayah".  Well, maybe not the last two.  Tomorrow morning we'll arise too early, eat too much breakfast, and then play U32 from Montpelier before returning home.  Estimated time of arrival is 1:49, give or take.

Now the most important news for all players and parents (and thus subject to repeat):  The Mandatory (if possible Parent-Player meeting will be this Wednesday at 6:30 in the HHS Auditorium.  The idea is that the subvarsity teams will finish their practice at Dresden at 6:00, head across the river, and be on time for the meeting at HHS at 6:30.  We hope you can attend.  There will be door prizes.