Bears Lose 2-0 to Nashua South in Division One Title Game

Hanover’s marvelous 2022 season came to a close with a 2-0 loss Sunday to Nashua South in the NHIAA Division One Finals.  It was an exciting, well-played game, worthy of the occasion. Played in front of a full house at Exeter’s Bill Ball Stadium, the match featured a high level of skill and energy from both sides, who swapped high-quality offensive opportunities throughout the match.  Although it was disappointing for the Bears to lose for the first time in 13 games, the match gave them another opportunity to play at the top of their game, and they lived up the responsibility.  Hanover finishes with a record of 15-5. It was their third trip to the finals in four years, and fifth consecutive season gaining the final four.  Hanover was led by seven seniors who provided top leadership all season. In addition to Captains Ty Nolon and Becket McCurdy, the Bears were led by Jack Gardner, Jack McGrath, Ethan Munson, Ian Smith, and Owen Smith.

 

Hanover came to play, with no fear and no excuses, and nearly scored less than 10 seconds after they kicked off, with their set play providing Jack Gardner a clean breakaway and a hard shot on goal that forced South goalkeeper Ansh Khanna to make a brilliant diving save.  Both sides traded shots and opportunities, and an unbiased observer would say that the Bears had a clear edge in play.  Ty Nolon was strong in goal, and set a tone by coming off his line well to snag a Purple Panther corner kick.  Hanover’s back line was tight and disciplined, catching South offsides several times. Midway through the half, South GK Khanna came off his line boldly to beat Zach Tracy to a through ball.  27 minutes into the match, Nashua South broke through with a goal on a free kick.  Santi Sommorrostro served a ball into the ball from the right flank, and Revin Olsen was in the right place to head it home.

 

Hanover was hardly fazed, and the final ten minutes of the half provided some of the most exciting action of the season.  Andrew McGuire nearly tied the game with a header on a free kick, and after his teammate Ian Press made a nice tackle deep in the box on the dangerous Jadiel Bomfim, Carter Guerin made a deep penetration into the Nashua South penalty area, sending a dangerous ball across the box.  Hanover came even closer in the dying minutes of the half, with Alex McGrath just missing connections on a header, and McGuire hitting a hard shot through traffic that was headed for the lower left corner before Khanna dove to his right to prevent a goal.  The final great play of the half belonged to Nolon, who made an otherworldly diving save to deny Junoa Hantula a sure goal that would have basically ended the game.

 

“Chasing the game” is hard in soccer.  A team trailing can easily get impatient or frantic, and lose the composure and possession they need to rally, especially in a high-stakes game against strong opposition. But Hanover managed to control the game and create some great chances to equalize.  Ten minutes into the second half, a series of quick passes isolated winger Sean Smith with a great chance on the right half of the box, but the window closed quickly and his shot was blocked.  Five minutes later, Carter Guerin found enough space deep in the box to beat a defender and push the ball ahead to a spot where he would be the first to reach it for a sure shot.  The defender got all Carter and no ball, but play continued.  Watch the film.  Hanover continued to press, and another series of high-pressure passes isolated Andrew McGuire deep in the box, only to have Khanna come hard off his line to smother the ball.  With 11 minutes to play, Hanover’s pressure paid off, and Carter Guerin collected the ball at the top of the box on the left side and curled a shot toward the right post that had Khanna cleanly beaten. Somehow, defender Leo Lopez popped up at the post and headed the ball off the line, a miracle save.  

 

Hanover’s push forward as time wound down opened them up for counter attacks, and Ty Nolon made a nice save on Jadiel Bonfim, pushing his high shot over the bar. Hanover kept working, and once again McGuire was in the midst of things, seeing his shot at the top of the box blocked by a defender.  A last corner kick gave Alex McGrath a final sniff at a header, and then in the last minutes Nashua South added an insurance goal on a corner kick by Santi Sommorrostro, his second goal in two games by the Bears.

 

In some ways, of course, it was a bitter loss.  The Bears had come so far, and they came so close.  On the other hand there was so much to savor.  Hanover rose to the occasion and played brilliantly in the biggest game of the season. They were not at full strength, but not once, ever, were there any excuses. Seasoned observers commented that this may be as well as they have ever seen Hanover play.  Wow.  Long after the sting of defeat fades, the Bears will be able to celebrate a season that showcased individual improvement, unselfishness by every player on the roster, and a true desire to put the team first.  It’s far, far too soon to talk about the future, especially because the present needs to be honored and celebrated. Then Bears will meet as a team on Tuesday after school to turn in equipment and vote on awards and Captains, and then gather with everyone in the program on Friday at Tea Time for the famous Four-Team Dessert Celebration, followed by the Varsity Banquet.

 

A few more salutes as the blog process careens into the wee hours:  The Bears enjoyed wonderful support from parents, classmates and supporters, who made the atmosphere at the Finals a festive one.  This was a true showcase for high school soccer, and the Hanover supporters were vocal, classy and much appreciated.

 

Parents.  Just amazing.  Thank you.

 

Thanks also to the HHS administration,  Athletic Administration and in particular Athletic Trainer Cassie Lapple, whose patient professionalism was a cornerstone of Hanover soccer success.

 

Please stay tuned to the Blog in the week to come.  There will be many awards to report, and all sorts of exciting soccer news as we put the season to bed. For now, #proudtobeabear