Kearsarge Summary

HANOVER BLANKS KEARSARGE FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN

The Hanover High boys soccer team secured its third win of the young season in dramatic fashion Tuesday night, earning a 1-0 victory over Kearsarge with a goal in the final minute of play by Swedish exchange student Oscar Eriksson. The goal capped a furious second half assault on the Cougar that threatened to go unfulfilled until the Marauder center midfielder took a slick pass from Nate Hanna, beat a defender and ripped a left-footed rocket from 18 yards that gave Hanover their third straight victory.

It was also the third straight shutout for the Marauder defense, which put the clamps on Kearsarge all night, denying them all but a handful of lukewarm scoring chances. Sophomore Stefan Dyroff collected his first career shutout, and became the third Hanover goalkeeper in three games to blank the opposition.

The Marauders held a territorial edge in the first half, but were unable to threaten seriously. Henry Caldwell and Kevin Dade authored a few shots that had some promise, and Eric Jayne had one look that didn’t miss by much Hanover had a 5-0 edge in corner kicks, several of which were converted into dangerous crosses, but Kearsarge keeper Brett Bascom did a nice job handling everything that came his way. The Cougars pushed their defensive line well away from their goal and trapped Hanover off sides four times, and it appeared as though it would take more than the first half for the Marauders to solve the puzzle.

Midway through the first half Marauder midfielder Yosef Osheyack lost one of his hearing aids after a collision, and the only recourse was to wait until halftime to search for it. The entire Hanover side fanned out on the dew-drenched football field to search in the harsh spot lit shadows, and were soon joined by not only the Kearsarge team but also all of the fans. It was an incredible, spontaneous act of consideration and sportsmanship that transcended the normal parameters of a high school sporting event. The search was unsuccessful and the game resumed after the extended halftime, but the class of the Kearsarge community illuminated the rest of the night.

Unquestionably appreciative, Hanover nevertheless got down to business in the second half and turned up the heat on their hosts. The field slowly tilted toward the Kearsarge goal, and the Marauder offense began to click on all cylinders. Spurred by the outstanding flank play from a newly-energized Osheyack and Ben Rimmer, the Marauders completely took over the match. Trevor Barlowe was a monster in the center of the park, wining countless headers and marshalling the defense with his possession and his passing.

Dan Remillard just missed redirecting one of Osheyack’s corner kicks over the bar. Oscar Eriksson hit a shot outside the penalty area that glanced off the upright. Osheyack hit an amazing blast from the top of the eighteen that was labeled for the goal before Bascom stretched to tip the ball over the bar. As time wound down, it seemed as though it would be only a matter of time, but overtime was beckoning as a full harvest moon rose and looked down on the sweating, steaming squads, their breath sending plumes into the chilly night air.

The scoreboard clock had stopped at two minutes for what seemed an eternity when Hanna stepped in front of an errant clearing pass and slid the ball into a spot for Eriksson to run onto. Never hesitating, Oscar earned his spot in Hanover’s soccer Valhalla with the epitome of a big-time goal, and his teammates easily played out the string and ran their record to 3-0. Post-game handshakes were more sincere and meaningful than usual, and the Kearsarge Assistant Coach shared warm words for the Marauders that were sincere and heartfelt. Both teams renewed their search, again fruitless, but worth it nonetheless for the repeated demonstration that the game was important, but would always take a back seat to sportsmanship and concern for others. It was a rare night.

Hanover’s return to action takes them on the road Thursday and Friday for games against two undefeated teams eager to make their entire season by knocking off the champs. The Marauders play at Laconia Thursday, and then visit Pembroke for their Homecoming this Friday, eager to maintain their status as the class of Class I.