JV1 Rallies Twice to Open The Season; Beats Concord 3-2

It took the JV1 a half to settle down and take care of business, but Hanover was resilient in rallying twice and scoring the only goal of the second half to defeat Concord in their season opener. The host Crimson Tide jumped out to a 1-0 lead when a careless back pass created an opening for a bad angle shot by Concord's talented and flamboyant striker. Ten minutes later, Ian Press and Sam Calderwood combined to create a game-tying goal. Calderwood played Press into space, and Ian returned the favor as the speedy Calderwood sped for his return pass, hitting a hard shot and then finishing the rebound from the Tide keeper's save. After Hanover keeper Christian Blix kept things tied with a good save, Concord went ahead when Hanover once again failed to protect the ball in the back. A square pass was picked off by the Tide's sole scoring threat, who put his team in front 2-1 and then let the world know that he was the man. Careful, Flamboyant Concord Striker - Karma's a bear. Act like you've been there. Hanover tied the scofre almost immediately. Freddie Mierke played a long ball down the flank to Aidan Bradley, who found well-positioned midfielder Sayan Bhatacharya, who busted a move to find space and then picked the corner for the goal which tied the match at 2-2. Hanover came out of the halftime break determined to improve, and they took a territorial advantage from the start, controlling play and limiting Concord's offense. Hanover's offense continued to use the flanks well, and it paid off in the winning goal. A ball was played to Veer Patel on the left side, and the reliable winger sent a pass across to Ian Smith, who took a touch and hit a super shot to the upper right corner to give Hanover a 3-2 lead that was never threatened. Hanover returns home for a 6:15 start on the grass field against Exeter. That should make the last 20 minutes interesting! Bring your headlamps!