Soccer Wins in Reserve Team's 2-1 Loss to Kimball Union

It happened again!  We had one of those transcendent, everybody-wins afternoons at The Pasture.  On a beautiful fall day in front of a large, appreciative crowd, the Reserves and their Kimball Union opponents staged a wonderfully entertaining match.  KUA ended up taking a 2-1 decision, but that was truly beside the point. The game was wide open, back and forth, and full of scoring chances, breakaways, daring goalkeeping, and great theater.

It had been more than a week since the Reserves had played, but it was clear that they had made good use of their practice time. The Marauders were well-organized and showed higher levels of skill and fitness.  KUA took a 1-0 lead in the first half, but Austen "Game Day" Thum tied the match at the end of a good passing play.

Both teams had a ton of scoring chances in the second half.  Hanover was led by Tenzin Tashi, whose patented spin move gave the defense fits.  He had four or five near misses, and combined well with hardworking midfielders Benny Gantrish and Kaz Matsuoka, each of whom had good chances of their own.

KUA also had a number of threats which were foiled by a number of defenders, including Tenzing Rumrill, Avery Wallis and Daniel Wilson.  Arturo Johnson, taking for Joseph Glock in the Marauder goal, was daring and effective in thwarting several KUA breakaways, coming off his line with superb timing.  KUA finally got on the scoreboard with 12 minutes to play in the second half when a rash challenge in the box resulted in a penalty kick.  Ironically, the spot kick was converted by HHS ex-pat Henry Pletcher.  It was, Assistant Coach Erik McEwen observed, exactly like Frank Lampard scoring against his old Chelsea team, an ironic turn of events in last week's Premiership match.  But Lampard isn;t that good at tennis.

Hanover fought back, and had three or four great looks, with Tashi's one-on-one with the KUA goalie somehow coming up empty. The clock ran out on the Marauders this time, but they will be eager to turn the tables when they play KUA down the road.  In the meantime, they return to action almost immediately, with a Monday afternoon match with Cardigan back at the Pasture.

This was the third one-goal game of the season for the Reserves, who have been blessed by having  a series of competitive matches against good opposition.  The team's cohesion is a reflection of the excellent coaching by Head Coach Willie Johnson, whose energy and dedication have created an excellent team culture.  Be sure to catch next Monday's match!