Hanover's modest four-game winning streak to start the season came to a halt on Monday, as the Marauders were unable to solve a strong Manchester Central team, dropping a 1-0 decision at Merriman-Branch Field. Central came onto the game with a five-game streak of their own, and had conceded a single goal. It was not surprising, therefore, that this high-stakes early season showdown between top contenders became a defensive chess match. The game was decided midway through the second half when Central converted a free kick opportunity.
The Little Green are loaded with academy-level talent, and presented a stiff challenge to the Marauder defense. A year ago, striker Josue Assantha torched Hanover with a hat trick in a 5-1 victory, and he was back, stronger and shiftier than ever. This year, though, he was joined by Rahul Drukpa, Paulo Tedsco, and winger Harris Suljevic, and amazing collective strike force. Hanover's defense did a wonderful job absorbing the pressure generated by the Little Green, and limited them to several long-distance shots, and a semi-dangerous bicycle kick by Drukpa.
The Marauders also created several good offensive opportunities. Matty Gardner got his head on a free kick, and Eli Stack hit the post from the right side after making a great penetrating move on the baseline. With 15 minutes left in the half, Central Senior Citizen Thamba Mbungu hit an absolute ripper that sailed over the bar. A few minutes later, Max Kalamatikis hit a shot that was deflected by a Marauder defender, but Joey Perras made a nice dive to make the save and deny a rebound. As the half wound down, Hanover suddenly created the most dangerous offensive opportunity of the afternoon, a flurry of two shots by Liam Collins and a near miss by Christo Dragnev on the doorstep. It was one of many offensive moments that was just a bit off for the Marauders.
Hanover felt good going into the second half. Their defense was bending but not breaking, and they knew that some offensive opportunities would emerge, especially because they had been subbing regularly, and were able to get fresh legs into the game on a hot late-summer afternoon. Aiden Rowley had a great look early in the half, breaking loose on the right side for an open shot that he hit right to keeper Hayden Walker. At the 55 minute mark, Amane Matsuoka turned his defender on the right side and nearly found Eli Stack in front.
Central continued to be dangerous, and with 20 minutes left in regulation, they were presented with a golden opportunity. A Hanover midfielder made light contact with a Little Green attacker, as one of the officials, 10 yards away, watched and did nothing. 60 yards back up the field and on the opposite side, the second official detected a foul and awarded a free kick. The Marauders set the wall, and Paulo Tedsco lined up the his kick and hit a shot toward the far post. Joey Perras made a dive and got his fingers on the ball, but it hit the inside of the far post and trickled into the net for the only score of the game.
Hanover stayed calm and had several other looks, none more dangerous than when Liam Collins broke through on the left side with time and space and the Central goalie out of position. His long shot found the side netting, however. Charlie Adams almost created a good chance on a crowd on the left side, but Central's defense, led by center back Moises Garcia, was equal to the task.
As Hanover pushed forward for an equalizer, the Marauders left themselves open to Central counterattacks, and Hanover's defense made some great plays. Dillon Bradley blocked a number of shots, and was particularly effective at shutting down the very dangerous Josue Assantha. Joey Perras did a wonderful job in goal, making a number of saves on hard, well-placed shots.
The match ended far too quickly for Hanover, and the two teams exchanged particularly cordial greetings afterwards, recognizing that they would very likely be seeing each other in the final four late in the season, either as opponents or on the other side of the bracket. Hanover has played two of the elite teams in the Division, Bedford and Central, and have surrendered only a penalty kick and a gift free kick. Their offense, still growing, will be equal to the challenges given to them in October.
Speaking of elite teams, that's exactly what awaits the Marauders on Friday. Concord is the defending Division One champion. They are undefeated, with a 5-0-1 record going into their match Tuesday with winless Windham. They have allowed one goal, back in August. They have the best goalkeeper in the state, Liam Devaney. Hanover has never won a game on Concord's Memorial Field. So, no problem. We wonder if the Marauders will somehow find some motivation. Stay tuned to the blog and find out!
No comments:
Post a Comment