Local roundup: Lebanon boys soccer remains undefeated after completing suspended game
Published: 09-12-2023 6:43 PM |
LEBANON — After holding a two-goal lead for three days, the Lebanon High boys soccer team saw its advantage quickly halved Monday against NHIAA Division II rival Hollis-Brookline.
The clash began Friday afternoon but was twice halted because of thunder, the second pause sending the Cavaliers back to southern New Hampshire with four minutes remaining in the first half. It was agreed to restart play Monday, and the visitors scored after only two minutes.
It was a fear come true for Lebanon coach Rob Johnstone, whose team eventually went on to a commanding 5-1 win.
Still, Johnstone admitted he’d been fretting about how his team would handle the 70-hour break.
“I was worrying about it all weekend,” said Johnston, whose team improved to 5-0, tied atop the division standings with longtime rival Oyster River. “Thankfully, we answered fairly quick.”
Lebanon’s Nick Brill headed in a Will Katz cross during the 48th minute, and Theo Vassiliou converted a Brill feed 20 minutes later. Otto Bourne closed the scoring with a minute to play.
Lebanon won its first state title in 30 years two seasons ago before exiting in last season’s quarterfinals. The Raiders picked up three new transfer starters in fullback Titus Billings (Jordan) and midfielders Vassiliou (Hartford High) and Tyler Kelly (Sunapee High). However, it’s taking time for the newcomers to pick up the nuances and lack of attitude that Johnstone demands.
Monday, the 30th-year coach pulled Vassiliou off the field early after the junior didn’t adjust his positioning. Put back on a few minutes later and playing as told, the Cornish resident intercepted several Hollis-Brookline passes.
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“It’s an evolving situation because even though I might say something 1,000 times, some guys only hear it five,” Johnstone said with a chuckle. “Our style might have some complexities they’re not used to, but when they’re in the wrong place, at least they’re trying their rear ends off.”
Lebanon, which has outscored its opposition, 24-3, is at Pelham on Tuesday and Bow on Friday.
SOUTH ROYALTON — Brayden Russ delivered three goals and two assists and Donovan Craven had a goal and an assist for the Wildcats (3-1), who visit Springfield on Thursday.
Kelan Tlumacki, Jacob Benoit and Finn Bailey also scored.
“Jacob Benoit and Jayden Armstrong each played a half in goal with short notice,” said WRV coach Alex Montano. “Both were solid, and their play gave our other players confidence.”
HANOVER — The Bears (2-2) visit Windham (2-3) on Friday.
BRADFORD — Caleigh Bean’s 14 saves weren’t enough to stop the Olympians from going down, 1-0, at halftime. Oxbow visits Mill River on Wednesday.
WEST SWANZEY, N.H. — Daniella Varela and Elizabeth Benware scored during the first quarter and Lilli Clark during the fourth, and the Cardinals moved to 3-0-0 while dropping the Huskies to 0-5-0. Stevens is at Kearsarge (3-1-0) on Thursday.
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. — The Yellowjackets surrendered four first-quarter goals and fell to 1-1-0 despite 16 saves from Sydney Perry. The Terriers improved to 1-1-0. Windsor visits Springfield on Wednesday.
GOLF
CONCORD — Hanover finished between Concord and Pinkerton during a rain-soaked round at the Concord Country Club.
Andrew Cramer shot a round of 37 for the Bears, followed Andrew Cahoon (41), Nick Reiss (41), Trevor Lichtenstein (41) and Adam Goodney (42).
The Bears (8-3) host Salem, Manchester Memorial and Keene on Wednesday at Montcalm Golf Club.
Team scores: Concord 187, Hanover 202, Pinkerton 224.
NEW LONDON — Stevens received a co-medalist performance from freshman Owen Wilkinson, who’s 38 tied with Coe-Brown’s Jack Smith, in a three-school contest at Lake Sunapee Country Club.
Aubree Herzog shot a 47 and was followed by Ian Gersberg (49), Justin Demers (50) and Oliver Beeman (53). Stevens took second place between Coe-Brown and host Kearsarge.
The Cardinals next play Monday at Derryfield.
Team scores: Coe-Brown 82, Stevens 66, Kearsarge 64.