Hanover's early-season march through the best teams in Division One continued on Friday, as the Marauders traveled to Concord to face the undefeated Crimson Tide, who had allowed a single goal in their first six games, albeit against weaker opposition. The two top-four teams battled through 79 scoreless minutes before a Concord goal with a minute to play gave the Tide the victory. It was a disappointing result for Hanover, who had overcome a slow start to dominate play in the second half. A momentary defensive lapse was all it took to give the Marauders their second 1-0 loss in a row to a top team, following Monday's defeat at the hands of unbeaten Central.
In compiling a 4-2 record this far, the Marauders have played opponents with a combined record of 32-7-2. They have dominated play against most of these teams, and learned a great deal about who they are as a team.
The Concord match started slowly for the Marauders. Less than three minutes into the match, Tide striker Sujan Gurung filtered unopposed into the Hanover penalty area, forcing keeper Hans Williams to close the angle and make a point blank save. Concord had a territorial edge, and mixed several challenging corner kicks with a few long throw-ins by Tide back Liam Bennett. Hanover was equal to the task of protecting their goal, though, with good defensive play by Dillon Bradley and Kyle Doucette in front of Williams.
The Marauders began to string together a number of possession passes, working the ball upfield. They regularly lost patience in the final third, however, limiting the number of scoring opportunities.
Concord continued to press when they had the ball, and midfielder Alasdair Ferrier took a number of shots from long range. Williams handled these with no difficulty, but it was clear that Concord's sophomore was always eager to find the opportunity to shoot.
The final 15 minutes of the half were Hanover's best, as they began to probe the highly-regarded Concord defense, backstopped by All-State goalkeeper Liam Devanny. Liam Collins launched one of his patented free kicks into the box, and although it was cleared away, it was a calling card for some more dangerous restarts in the second half. Concord retaliated with their own free kick into the heart of Hanover's box, and Williams was brave off his line, clearing the ball as he was fouled. The half ended 0-0, and it was anyone's game.
Hanover showed up in the second half, and they started right away. Gaining possession in the Concord end after the opening kickoff, Liam Collins mover from right to left across of the penalty area, and took a hard shot at Devanny, who dove to his right to make the save. Collins' shot was so hard that the ball snuck through Devanny's legs and trickled toward the goal line. The Concord Captain spun back and stopped the ball inches short of crossing the line. The close call energized the Marauders, who spent the majority of the half probing and challenging the Crimson Tide defense.
Five minutes into the half, Matty Gardner got his head on another Collins free kick, but his shot was snared by Devanny. Concord was beginning to fray around the edges. They chirped at each other after misplays, and Concord Captain Grant Rienstra received a yellow card after a reckless charge on Dylan Kotlowitz.
The Tide were still dangerous, though, and at the 53-minute mark a turnover in the Hanover end gave Gopal Timsina a close range shot that he rolled past the post. Liam Bennett made a nice run into the Hanover end and launched a high shot that didn't miss by much. Alasdair Ferrier continued his probing, and his a long shot that was easily saved by Williams.
The half was Hanover's, however. Liam Collins got a great look at the 58-minute mark, one of his four shot on goal in the half, and Charlie Adams combined some long-range looks with dangerous penetrating runs. Gary Li came on at right back and contributed to the offensive pressure, and as the half wound down to the end of regulation, it looked as though the worst that could happen to Hanover would be a scoreless tie. They would have welcomed the 20 minuted of overtime. Concord was clearly tired.
The Tide had time for one more push into the Hanover end, and in the final minute of play, the ball came to Alasdair Ferrier, whose intentions and dominant right foot were well known, or certainly should have been. At first, Ferrier took his defender to the left. No problem with the ball on his left peg. He should have been allowed to continue in that direction, but certainly, absolutely not to cut back and get the ball on his right foot. Somehow, though, he was allowed to do that, and got open for a hard shot through a screen that found the lower left corner of the goal. With only seconds left in the half, there was no time for any sort of retaliation. Concord had found a way to win, and the Marauders had little to show for a well-played but ultimately frustrating game.
The loss to Concord doesn't have to be costly. If the Marauders can learn from the match, as they have from results good and bad all season, they will continue their climb toward their goal of playing better in every match. The chance for redemption will come soon. Hanover hosts Merrimack on Saturday at 6:00 on the turf. They will have lots of fresh legs, and no shortage of motivation. If they remember to bring lots of food for The Haven, they will also have Karma on their side. The streak starts Saturday.
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