Marauders Rally to Beat Concord 2-1 in D1 Playoff Opener

 A unique and very good season for the Marauders got much, much better on Wednesday, as Henry Aspinwall scored with less than three minutes to play to give Hanover a 2-1 victory over Concord in their NHIAA Division One playoff opener.  The Marauders now advance to the quarterfinals, and will host powerhouse Bedford on Saturday at 2:00.

Playing their strongest opponent of the season in their first Division One game, Hanover rose to the occasion, shrugging off an early goal to tie the match midway through the first half, and clamping down on a dangerous Concord attack for the rest of the way.  They patiently probed for openings, and struck the decisive goal with Aspinwall's sixth score of the season.

Hanover got off to a good start, taking the play in the opening minutes into the Concord end and forcing two corner kicks.  Nathan Subrahmanian had a couple of quality looks, but neither one found the target.  Concord is a quality team.  They have played both Bedford and Central,  and held the Little Green to a 0-0 tie.  Ten minutes into the match, they struck first.  Dangerous striker Alasdair Ferrier pressured defender Palmer Okai's clearing pass, which went right to the feet of sophomore winger Jacque Tunguru, who ripped a long shot from 30 yards out.  It was a nightmare shot for a goalie on a wet day, a hard, low line drive that skipped off the turf in front of CJ Wheelan in goal and skidded past him inside the right post. Wheelan kept his head, however, and six minutes had a critical save on Ferrier, diving to his right to parry a shot past the post.  

A minute later, a Hanover free kick gave Subrahmanian a rebound and another crack at the goal, but hit shot sailed over the bar.  Four minutes later, the Marauders struck pay dirt and tied the match. Murphy Hunt played a through ball to Oscar Miller, who won a challenge with Concord goalkeeper Abbas Abdulrahman, who had raced off his line.  Faced with the open goal, Miller calmly finished for his third goal of the season.

Both teams had golden chances to take the lead in the final minutes of the half. With two minutes left, Ferrier lined up a free kick and his a hard, low shot that produced a wonderful diving save by Wheelan, and a juicy rebound that onrushing midfielder Alejo Caceres pushed past the post.  Shortly afterwards, Henry Aspinwall controlled the ball in the Concord box and laid it back to Eric Ringer, who hit a hard, m rising line drive that just a bit high and wide, screaming over the upper right corner.  Hanover wasn't done, with Alex Stevens and Murphy Hunt both coming close during a wild scramble in the penalty area.

The tension was evident in the first half, and it was cranked up the in the second, and the two teams battled between the 18s, with few finishing shots.  Hanover had a distinct edge, though, and before long they began to get some good opportunities.  Twice these were nullified by offside calls.  With 13 minutes to go, Oscar Miller got free behind the defense once again, only to have Abdulrahman got off his line in time, and smother the ball at Miller's feet.  

Concord wasn't conceding anything, however, and it took a great tackle by Palmer Okai to keep things tied as the clock wore down.  Both both sides beginning to think about overtime (that's why Schiffman was warming up), the Marauders got the biggest goal of the season. A good tackle won the ball deep in the Hanover box, and two deft passes got the ball onto Murphy Hunt's feet, still far on his side of midfield.  He launched a perfect through ball to Aspinwall, who barely outraced defender Brandon Comire, avoided his tackle, and ripped a hard shot inside the right post. It was Aspinwall's second big time tournament goal, instantly rising to the top of the table for Goal of the Year. There are still big games to play, however.

Hanover had many heroes. CJ Wheelan was flawless in his game management, and added Bigtime Game Winner to his resume.  Midfielders Alex Stevens and Nathan Subrahmanian were tireless tacklers and ball movers.  The back line of Dylan Kotlowitz,  Palmer Okai,  Evan Nichols and Tucker Monson had their best collective effort of the season. Defense wins championship.

Next up for the 8-0-1 Marauders is Bedford, a 3-0 winner Wednesday over Goffstown.  The Bulldogs need further introduction.  Unbeaten state champions in 2018, they were also unbeaten last year and made it all the way the the finals before Hanover stole the title in a penalty kick shootout.  They are well-stocked again this year,  and their resume includes a tie with superpower Central and a 2-0 win over Concord. Bring 'em.