JV Loses to Concord 3-2 in Sudden Death OT

On a beautiful afternoon on the grass at Hanover, the JV team expected a tough game from Concord, and they got one.  They came out attacking,  finding space on quick ball passing and fast runs, shooting a barrage of shots that were off the mark.  Then, 10 minutes in, Concord struck paydirt on a low shot that snuck under the diving Owen Brooks for a quick lead.  It looked like it might be a long day for our Mauraders.

But, two minutes later,  Yedne Adkins hustled to run down a long pass and fought for the ball near the goal where he slid a pass upfield towards Luke Messersmith, who sent it home to tie the game at 1 – 1.  Suddenly, the defense began to stop the Concord free wheeling attacks, and the momentum had shifted.

The sophomore group entered at 20 minutes and played organized soccer, moved the ball well with good passing, and also slowed down the Concord side to allow no real scoring threats, with Ben Sobel and Lucas Adams-Blackmore playing scrappy defense while clearing the ball well downfield.  The score was 1- 1 at the halftime break.

However, the second half started with a quick run by Concord up the middle for the go-ahead goal, making it a one goal deficit.  Things were even from there, with both teams moving the ball up and down the field, while Jack Hazard, Inigo Panos and the rest of the junior squad kept chances away from the visitors while the boys in home whites sent some good passes near the box without any clear shots on net.

Alvaro Cooper led the sophomore group at midfield, and showed a sportsmanship example when he helped pick up a Concord player he had just leveled on a hard, clean fight for the ball.  That’s how we aspire to roll in Hanover, and it showed up throughout the match.  While some visiting players complained about calls to the tune of a yellow card and a removed player, Hanover made the small but dedicated parent fan base proud as our boys exemplified playing the game with respect and passion.

Just when the game appeared destined to end at 2 – 1, Casey Starr threaded a nice assist to Yedne Adkins, who was a force all day, as he flashed down the middle where he converted in a crowd, to tie things at 2-2, where it stayed until regular time ended.

The coaches from both teams approached the referees to request a chance to play on, and the gamble paid off for Concord when a strong boot from long range ended the sudden death.  Game over, 3 – 2, Concord.  These two strong JV squads might meet again come playoff time, and that will be one not to miss.

Next up, 4:00, away at Exeter.  This amateur soccer blogger will be going.  Car pool?