JV2 Falls 4-1 at Fall Mountain, But Rises as a Team

It was a hot day and humid day with little shade on the pitch at Fall Mountain.  The Hanover JV2 team perhaps was feeling the weather and seemed to get off to a slow start, and it was evident that this team is still forming its identity. Fall Mountain had some skill and speed up front, and Hanover was immediately tested.  The back line held, though with players in some new positions, the passing was a bit off. Fall Mountain took advantage of some of the team's miscues and managed to get through the middle on a breakaway and create a goal. The second goal was the product of a run down our left flank which resulted in a cross and finish.

  In the oppressive heat and humidity and down 2-0, it could of been expected that the team would simply trudge through the second half. This wasn't the case. There was some fight left in them. A few line up changes were made that created serious pressure and speed up front with the addition of the two Max's, Max Patyk-Finkel and Maxwell Lutz. This immediately paid dividends within a few minutes when Max P-F managed to win a ball off a defender who misjudged his speed. He used the opportunity well as he went directly on goal, and placed a shot by the keeper. 

There would some more missed chances, and corners in the Fall Mountain half. Fall Mountain, though, weren't quite done and pushed back. They created another goal off a very well struck shot from over 20 yards out that found the upper left corner. The final goal by Fall Mountain was the result of an unfortunate collision inside the box, and the ensuing penalty shot that was converted.

From the scoreline one takeaway would be that this day was one to put behind us. What was evident from the sideline however, especially the final twenty minutes was that this team was slowly getting to know each other. The players were starting to see more of the field and teammates outside of their immediate area and connect more passes together as well. The guys were also getting the hang of their new positions. This could be seen in the examples of when Charlie Bell with his deft moves managed to beat a defender and make an effective cross into the box, as well as Aiden Tomlin who made some great short passes that turned the opposing defense the wrong way. There was also Declan Flynn with his first "meg" of the season, and Jared Licht who made some critical stops and effective passes to midfield to stop the Fall Mountain attack.

This team is really starting to show some potential for a good season, they just have to keep working at it. We're looking forward to seeing more highlights as the season progresses.