JV1 Splits a Pair Against Keene and Manchester Memorial

 The Hanover JV Bears squared off twice this week with two games that showed a similar level of play from the Bears, but results that were anything but. This was primarily due to the level of competition that the opponents brought, but Coach Willie has been impressed with the JV play nonetheless. "I think we played well enough in both games to earn a result. It's hard to win in division one, you have to be able to focus on small details that can make the difference between earning a result or not." 

Hanover squared off with the Keene Blackbirds under a slight drizzle on Monday 9/6. Hanover JV showed that they were the superior team by keeping Keene chasing the run of play by completing numerous consecutive passes, and having many more scoring chances. Hanover would convert on two chances in the first half with a header by Schuyler Clapp on a Henry Werner corner in the 12th minute and a clean up goal easily squared in by Andrew Rudd in the 18th minute. Hanover went into half feeling they had more to prove having felt their conversion rates on chances could have been higher. In the second half, Hanover would prove that they were very capable netting 5 more goals by Aidan Bradely, Freddie Meirke, Henry Werner (scoring twice), and Noi Larruason. Hanover, seeing an opportunity to give their keeper a run in the field, made a switch in the 67th. However, this helped Keene net their lone goal on a breakout from half field that had a well timed run in on the keeper who nearly had a save. Overall, it was a good building block game to have the whole team feeling confident. 

Later in the week, Hanover JV hosted the Crusaders of Manchester Memorial under bright sunny skies on Thursday 9/8. The two teams appeared evenly matched and with both playing very physical. Each team had very few chances in the first half, but Memorial was able to capitalize on their first and last chances of the half. Hopeful with playing with the sun at their backs the JV Bears played a second half that was more focused and intense. While chances were had, the Memorial defense (dropping more players back into the defensive 1/3) and keeper were equal to the task for much of the half. Hanover would repeat its success of having Schuyler be in the mix on corners and halved the deficit, scoring on corner in the 61st minute. Hanover would close with a slew of chances consisting of multiple corners in the final 5 minutes, but the Crusaders just kept getting numbers goal side and wouldn't concede the tying goal. 

Despite losing its first game, the JV Bears should look at their performance as solid and know that there are some small aspects they can improve to continue to play better. Good news is that they will have the chance to earn another result this Saturday morning, 9/10, when visiting the Crimson Tide of Concord. Looking forward to it!

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