JV2 Loses a Close 2-1 Contest at KUA

    A cold gray Wednesday afternoon greeted the players as they stepped onto the manicured KUA fields and prepared for a game to be played in conditions that were a severe contrast to the previous week's contest.  The warm up temperature was cool and getting cooler.  When the game began, a rain started to fall creating a slippery pitch, frozen hands, and numb feet as well.  Yet this seemed to be playing to Hanover's strengths though as they soon started to win the midfield and start pressuring and earning corner kicks and chances on goal.  The best opportunity of the half would come from a cross into the box where Koa Schuette made a well timed run to get on it, only to have the ball just barely elude him. The conditions though would strike against us for the first goal of the game. A  KUA forward took a low shot that Matt Alibozak stopped with ease, but as he grasped the ball, it slipped through his hands and into the goal.  Matt regrouped himself though, and would go on to make several critical saves in the half. 

   The second half started similar to the first, and this time it would bear fruit.  Once again it would be Aidan Tomlin who would be the scorer.  The Marauders were moving the ball around well and eventually put it to Aidan's feet where he made his patented chip over a defenseman and goalie.

The game was not over and it fell into a back and forth affair.  Hanover seemed to do well in the midfield, but KUA had a good counter, and managed to earn a point. They capitalized in a slightly confusing situation after a free kick.  KUA got into the box where the ball wasn't immediately cleared, and a KUA player got a shot off into the side netting.

   Hanover would continue to attack and more chances would be created with Matt Fenner and Max Patyk-Finkel on a run and near collision with the goalie.  It was not to be though as the sun set and time ran out to the shivering players on both the field and bench.  

 

   It was a game that didn't break Hanover's way, but there was definitely solid play throughout.  Aidan Tomlin's goal and midfield play elicited respect from both benches alike, and  Finn Seville really stepped up not only playing tough defense, but also showed composure with the ball and consistently making on-point passes throughout the game.  Eli Cowie also has started to take to the position of holding midfielder, both with his understanding of the position as well as his usual zeal for the game.

 

    Only a couple days left till the annual Cardigan game, and the weather looks good for the final match.  Let's hope it's a good one.  The team will have a short practice on the HHS turf right after school on Friday, and then watch their Senior Class teammates be honored at 4:00 along with the Seniors from the Varsity.  Kickoff for the Varisity game with Londonderry is at 4:00.

The team will leave for Cardigan at 11:15 on Saturday, wearing white uniforms.  Players are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Cardigan Food Drive.