Undermanned Reserves Fall to Kimball Union, 7-3

The Hanover reserve team put forth a valiant effort against KUA's undefeated JV 2 team. Traveling with just eleven players, Hanover was put to its greatest test thus far in the season. Not being daunted by facing a squad of 22, the reserve team elected to field a full squad the entire match, with no substitutions.

Hanover was able to strike first in the 15th minute. After a corner in from Sam Lutz, Joseph Glock wound up and struck the ball. The ball would glance off Gwynn's head and Kaz's arm before trickling in though the five hole of the keeper. The goal was allowed despite the errant arm of Matsuoka, given its unintentional manner. KUA would capitalize just three minutes later on a shot outside the 18 that just ricocheted off the bottom off the cross bar. KUA kept pressure on Hanover's tiring players by substituting full groups of ten on and off regularly, and led 4-1 come half time.

Never shying away from the challenge Hanover continued to play without substation for the second half. KUA scored another two goals before Kaz Matsuoka would net the first of his two second half goals. The first was created by Joseph playing a ball back to Liam Abbate, who cranked a ball up to Sam Lutz. Lutz played the perfect through ball to Kaz who beat the keeper with a low hard ball to the right. Kaz would score again four minutes later with Sam and Benny playing the ball up. Kaz dribbled hard at a defender only to win the tackle himself and was once again alone in on goal. KUA would wrap up the scoring with a final shot from the 18 into the side netting in the last five minutes.

Despite the lopsided result of 7-3, Hanover truly out preformed expectations given the circumstances. Arturo Johnson had more saves than goals allowed, including a spectacular diving save to his right in the second half. All eleven deserve mention given there dedication to playing. So Liam Abbate, Benjamin Gantrish, Joseph Glock, Gwynn Granizo-Mackenzie, Kaz Matsuoka, Hayden Hatfield, Arturo Johnson, Ryan Kynor, Gabe Loud, Sam Lutz, and Daniel Wilson, you gave it your all and put forth an effort that I could only hope for. You not only impressed my but the opposing coach, and the officials as well.

Let's see what we can do tomorrow!  (And since rain is in the forecast, stay tuned for updates!)