The defense wasn’t leaky to start the year – Concord gave up just four goals in its first four games – but the Crimson Tide boys’ soccer team has closed all the openings in its last three matches.
The defending Division I champion Tide recorded its third straight shutout Friday with a 1-0 win at Nashua South. Concord (6-1) allowed the Panthers (3-2) only five shots and just one of those was on goal.
“The defense has definitely gotten better. We seem to be clicking and reading each other better with each match,” Coach Scott Dunlop said. “We’re playing as a team, as a unit, and everyone is communicating well and covering for each other when people go forward, so they’re doing a good job interchanging as needed.”
The Tide got an early lead to defend when junior captain Taylor Silverstein headed home a cross from Josh Adams in the 15th minute. The play started with an over-hit corner kick, but Adams gathered it on the far side of the box and served it again.
That may have been the only goal for Concord, but the Tide generated 17 shots and plenty of scoring chances.
“We were possessing very well, spreading the field, owning the midfield and really creating opportunities,” Dunlop said. “We’re playing very unselfishly and playing quick.”
That midfield ownership has also been a big part of the Tide’s defensive presence. Silverstein and Ngongo Mungeta were central midfield starters during last year’s run to the D-I title, and they’re back it again this year for Concord – winning balls, distributing, locking down opponents and joining the attack. The third member of that central midfield (the Tide plays a 4-5-1) is senior Adam Bryant, who played mostly junior varsity last year but has shown that he more than belongs in the starting lineup this season.
“Adam has been very effective and great at marking opposing forwards,” Dunlop said. “He’s also doing a good job distributing out of the back. He’s been great.”
Concord has just one game next week, Tuesday at Salem, which will bring them to the halfway point of the regular season. The Tide opens the second half with a pair of night road games against two of the toughest teams in D-I – Bedford on Sept. 27 and Manchester Central on Sept. 30.
“We may give them a day or two off after the (Salem game), kind of a mid-season break to give them a rest mentally as well as physically, sometimes that helps to keep them sharp and hungry,” Dunlop said. “We’re very excited about the way we’re playing. We’ve got a few good games coming up and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Oyster River 2, Bow 1
Key players: Bow – Chase Chamberlin (defense), Sullivan Blair (midfield), Max Elsasser (goal)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons were bolstered by the return of Chamberlin on defense (missed two weeks due to an injury), and Elsasser created several scoring opportunities, but the Bobcats scored two minutes before halftime to take a 2-1 lead.
Coach’s quote: “Disappointed that we weren’t able to equalize in the second half but satisfied that we were able to compete with one of the quality programs in D-II. We continue to learn what it will take to win games against top D-II teams instead of just to compete.” – Bow’s George Pinkham
Records: Bow 3-4; Oyster River 4-1
Kingswood 3, Kearsarge 0
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars were shut out for the third time this season in a tough loss on the road.
Coach’s quote: “This was a disappointing loss. Kingswood got the better of us tonight. We cannot seem to find the net … It’s a long season, we still have a chance to turn it around.” – Kearsarge’s Matt Burch
Records: Kearsarge 0-6; Kingswood 2-4
Pembroke 3, Portsmouth 0
Key players: Pembroke – Hunter Boyce (goal, assist), Damon Smith (goal), Glenn Dion (goal), Matthew Ferguson (assist)
Highlights/key moments: The Spartans earned their first shutout of the season and extended their undefeated streak to seven games.
Coach’s quote: “It was nice to get our first shutout of the year. – Pembroke’s Peter Bisson
Records: Pembroke 7-0-0; Portsmouth 1-5-1
Hopkinton 1, Gilford 0 OT
Key players: Hopkinton – Max Rossignol (goal), Zach Signor (assist), Tim Mesrve (7 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Hawks handed Gilford its first loss of the season when Rossignol finished a pretty arieal sequence for the sudden-death win. The Golden Eagles owned the first half, but couldn’t finish their chances. Hopkinton took control in the second half and found its reward in overtime. The finishing sequence began when Hopkinton’s Gerry Donahue earned a corner kick, which Joe Cullinan lofted over the goal mouth. That’s where Zach Signor was waiting, and the Hopkinton junior headed it to Rossignol, who finished with a header into the side netting.
Coach’s quote: “A tremendous afternoon of soccer … Cullinan did a great job dominating in the middle of the field and Will Rhynhart worked tirelessly at striker throughout the second half.” – Hopkinton’s Scott Zipke
Records: Hopkinton 5-1; Gilford 6-1
Belmont 2, Campbell 1
Key players: Belmont – Logan Wilder (goal, assist), River Mathieu (goal), Ryan Gelinas (assist)
Highlights/key moments: With the game tied at 1-1 and the clock winding down, Belmont exerted pressure against the previously unbeaten Cougars and found corner kick after corner kick. The Raiders finally broke through with less than two minutes to play when Mathieu headed home a corner off the foot of Wilder. Belmont got a great defensive game from its back line of Tyler Fleming, Corey Derosier, Caleb Burke and Derek Stevens.
Coach’s quote: “For the most part we dominated play in the second half. Campbell is a strong defensive team and we put tremendous pressure on them.” – Belmont’s Mike Foley
Records: Belmont 6-1; Hopkinton 6-1
Sanborn 1, H-D 0
Highlights/key moments: The Hillcats had a few scoring opportunities hit the posts and the crossbar, and the Indians took advantage of a poor defensive clearance, giving Sanborn the win.
Coach’s quote: “The lads left everything on the field today and really showed their character. We made a mistake and (Sanborn) converted. We hit a post in the closing minutes that could have leveled the match. Sanborn has played the hardest teams in the league and we did well against a very strong group.” – H-D’s Joe Donnelly
Records: H-D 2-5-1; Sanborn 2-5-0
Concord Christian 1, Portsmouth Christian 1
Key players: Concord Christian – Tim Stevens (goal), Luke Ramsey (assist), Jacob Taylor, Rusty Risteen
Highlights/key moments: The Kingsmen had a sluggish start, trailing 1-0 at halftime, but Stevens scored off a Ramsey corner to tie the game two minutes into the second half.
Coach’s quote: “We did not play very well in the first half after a week off, but I was pleased with the second half the boys put forth.” – Concord Christian’s Phil Tuttle
Records: Concord Christian 4-0-1; Portsmouth Christian 3-2-1
John Stark 3, Kennett 0
Key players: John Stark – Ryan Nelson (game-winning goal), Lawson Murphy (assist), Jonathan Rizzitano (first varsity goal), Patrick Kalob (assist), Jared Petterson (goal), Isaiah Lovering (strong overall game), Chase Patterson (shutout), Tim Currier (defense), Tyler Restuccia (defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals dominated Thursday’s match from the opening whistle, with Nelson recording his fifth game-winning goal of the season in the eighth minute. Patterson earned his sixth clean sheet of the season. Rizzitano and Petterson also scored in the first half.
Coach’s quote: “This was a big win for us considering it was our third game in four days and a long bus ride up to North Conway. Today was a nice opportunity to get everyone some playing time.” – John Stark’s Jeff Vogt
Records: John Stark 6-1-0; Kennett 1-5-1
Concord 3, Nashua South 0
Key players: Concord – Grace Devanny (2 goals), Emma Pope (goal), Ellie Pope (midfield), Jillian Dusseault (midfield), Camille Girard (midfield), Nicole Cacciola (9 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Tide won its third straight match.
Coach’s quote: “I was very proud of our effort against a strong opponent. After a scoreless first half the team showed great character and determination on both sides of the ball in order to score three second-half goals and secure the shutout win.” – Concord’s Jeremy Duclos
Records: Concord 5-2-0; South 2-3-1
Oyster River 2, Bow 1
Key players: Bow – Gwenn Molind (goal), Maggie Vogt (defense), Emma Gagne (defense), Isabella Urbina (midfield), Amanda Marshall (midfield), Andrea Fortin (midfield)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons responded well after the Bobcats scored first. Molind netted a goal off a corner kick to tie the game, but Oyster River converted a corner kick of its own to secure the win.
Coach’s quote: “I am proud of how hard the girls worked and competed. We played (Oyster River) even and are continuing to grow as a team. We need to find a way to get the ball in the net.” – Bow’s Jay Vogt
Records: Bow 4-3; Oyster Rive 4-1
John Stark 8, Kennett 0
Key players: John Stark – Cara Easter (2 goals, 2 assists), Brooke Shatney (2 goals, assist), Sarah Nikias (goal, 2 assists), Cadence Loos (goal, assist), Jocelyn Dimond (goal)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals remained undefeated with their sixth straight victory.
Coach’s quote: “The Lady Generals maintained their composure throughout the game, changing the angles of attack and maintaining defensive composure.” – John Stark’s Heather Doucette
Records: John Stark 6-0-0; Kennett 1-5-1
Kearsarge 6, Kingswood 0
Key players: Kearsarge – Kaylyn Storozuk (2 goals), Alexis McConnell (goal), Maya Stadler (goal), Taryn Hubley (goal), Maicy Hansen (goal), Jordan Busch (3 assists)
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars couldn’t finish all of their chances in the first half, but still took a 2-0 halftime lead.
Coach’s quote: “We got out a bit slow in the first half, but we started tucking (away some shots) in the second half. It was a good game to get back on track.” – Kearsarge’s Travis Dezotell
Records: Kearsarge 5-1; Kingswood 0-6
Hanover 2, Pembroke 1
Key players: Pembroke – Emilee Harlow (goal), Meghan Gauss (defense), Courtney Jacques (defense), Vicky Mudgett (keeper)
Highlights/key moments: The Spartans had a goal called back in the first half that would have given them a halftime lead. Pembroke controlled possession and had an advantage in shots during the first 40 minutes, but couldn’t extend its six-match winning streak.
Records: Pembroke 6-1; Hanover 5-1
H-D 4, Newport 1
Key players: H-D – Kiersten Clough (2 goals), Izabella Warren (goal, assist), Madeline Parisi (goal), Samantha Grondin (assist, defense), Mara Grady (midfield), Taveya Ortiz (midfield), Melissa Veitch (5 saves)
Highlights/key moments: Clough scored off a corner kick in the 31st minute and scored off a cross from Warren in the 36th to give the Hillcats a 2-0 halftime lead. Warren scored in the 42nd minute and Parisi scored with 18 minutes left in the match.
Coach’s quote: “H-D maintained control of the ball for most of the game, and outshot the Tigers, 3-1. Newport has a great counter and they scored off a nice shot from about 20 yards out. I am pleased with how the team played as a whole and focused on what we have been practicing.” – H-D’s Susan Else
Records: H-D 6-1; Newport 3-3
Hopkinton 7, Monadnock 0
Key players: Hopkinton – Brianna Curley (2 goals), Ellie Morrall (2 goals), Lilias Whitehad (goal, 2 assists), Maura Zankel (goal, assist), Taylor Signor (goal), Meg Ellsworth (assist), Amelia Fitzgerald (assist), Amelia Bassett (4 saves), Belle Sullivan (defense), Cathen Hall (defense), Caitlin Ball (defense)
Highlights/key moments: Curley scored 14 seconds into the game and the Hawks had a flurry of goals in the 15th, 18th and 19th minutes to take a 4-0 halftime lead.
Records: Hopkinton 4-2; Monadnock 0-6
Wilton-Lyndeborough 4, Pittsfield 2
Key players: Pittsfield – Kira Wood (goal, assist), Lindsey Massey (goal), Becca Smith (7 saves)
Highlights/key moments: Massey opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game on a great feed from Wood. The Panthers held onto a 2-1 lead at halftime, but the Warriors came from behind for the win.
Coach’s quote: “First half we did an excellent job getting opportunities and playing defense. The second half the wheels fell off, resulting in to some miscues on defense . We need to play a lot better when holding the lead.” – Pittsfield’s Jayme Kennedy
Records: Pittsfield 4-2; W-L 2-3