Senior Amane Matsuoka’s goal with 15 minutes remaining gave Hanover a 2-1 victory over Keene, advancing them to the NHIAA Division One Semifinals on Tuesday. The third-seeded Marauders will face off with second-seeded Manchester Central, which advanced Saturday on Penalties.
Hanover is now 15-2-1, gaining the final four for the second year in a row and the sixth time in eight years. The Marauders dominated the contest statistically, taking a 1-0 lead seven minutes into the game on a goal by sophomore Eric Ringer, and responding with a strong offensive display after Keene tied the game 1-1 five minutes into the second half.
Adams shifted to center forward, making room for dangerous chances for wingers Matsuoka and Blake Palmer, and midfielder David Stoffel. Twenty minutes into the half, Adams, who had also assisted on Ringer’s goal, penetrated the Keene defense and slid the ball to Matsuoka, who first timed a hard shot past the near post.
From that moment until the final whistle the Marauders dominated possession and didn’t allow Keene a single attempt, almost taking a two goal lead when sophomore Evan Nichols missed connecting on a far post header.
Adams’ two assists gave him 19 on the season, tying the single season record held by Asa Berolzheimer.
Senior Joey Perras had three saves for the Marauders and helped Hanover’s strong possession game with his accurate kicking. Perras’ save on a free kick late in the first half was a critical one, and his vocal leadership was consistently good.
Hanover plays Manchester Central, who defeated the Marauders 4-0 in the Semifinals last year. Hanover beat Central 4-2 earlier this season on a pair of second-half goals from Adams. The Little Green advanced to the Semifinals by beating Timberlane in sudden death penalty kicks after a scoreless draw through 100 minutes.
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