It was the type of game that can cause frustration to bubble up, and one that Hopkinton girls’ soccer coach Mike Zahn certainly felt like the team let slip away.
Working hard to create chances, the Hawks engineered plenty of scoring looks and peppered Stevens with 12 shots on goal. The problem: Stevens barely possessed the ball, but scored twice on two shots all afternoon to edge Hopkinton, 2-1, Thursday afternoon.
“Another frustrating game where we outshoot the other team and create so many more chances but cannot finish. When the other team only gets two shots against us and scores both, it is mind-boggling how this game ended with a loss.”
The Hawks went through a similar stretch against Bishop Brady last week where they held a wide advantage in shots on goal, but that contest ended with Hopkinton winning in double overtime.
This time the Hawks (6-2) weren’t so fortunate.
Annie Higginbotham finished one of Hopkinton’s chances in the 59th minute off a pass from Loren Charron, but it wasn’t enough to come all the way back against the undefeated Cardinals (8-0).
Maddy Follansbee was a strong presence on defense, while both Eleanor Owen and Kally Murdough were credited with good games for the defending Division III champs.
Hopkinton will look to shake off the loss when it hosts Raymond next on Saturday.
Bow 7, John Stark 0
Key players: Bow – Kristina Pizzi (3G, 2A), Madi Paul (4A), Lindsay Burnham (G, A), Madison Roberge (G), Nicole Sartorelli (G), Addie Trefethen (G), Makayla Murray, Jocelyn Anderson (midfield), Taylor Burnham (defense), Tessa Thomas (defense), Gracie Bresson (defense); Stark – Sophia McGinty, Madison Porth, Meghan Medford, Makayla Couturier, Brooke Porth
Highlights: Pizzi scored two of her three goals in the first nine minutes of the game and Burnham scored Bow’s fifth goal in the first six minutes of the second half. Emma Wilke, Maddy McSweeney and Caylin Benson combined for the shutout in goal for the Falcons.
Coach’s quote: “It was nice to see the girls come back from our game on Monday and get back to our style of play. We got two early goals that got us started and we played some great possession and through balls even in the we conditions. Great team effort.” – Bow’s Jay Vogt
“Despite the score, some of our players had their best game today. Bow played a beautifully executed game.” – Stark’s Chris Pike
Records: Bow 7-1; John Stark 5-3
Hanover 2, Concord 1
Key players: Concord – Faisal Abdallah (G), Alejo Caceres (A), Abbas Abdulrahman (8 saves), Nick DiBuono (defense), Brandon Comire (defense), Duvan Morikawa-Montenegro (midfield)
Highlights: Hanover struck for a goal in the very first minute of the match and carried that lead into halftime. Concord, feeling confident as the scoring chances started showing up, tied the game in the 63rd minute when Abdallah took a pass from Caceres down the left side for a goal. Hanover, though, came right back five minutes later with another goal that proved to be the winner.
Coach’s quote: “I’m very pleased with the effort demonstrated today. We proved we could play with a top caliber team.” – Concord’s Scott Dunlop
Records: Concord 3-4-1; Hanover 7-1
Coe-Brown 5, Pembroke 1
Highlights: Pembroke got the first goal off a corner kick that the Bears took too long to read. Coe-Brown, though, stayed calm, stayed true to its game and was able to answer back shortly after.
Coach’s quote: “The result is a good one for the team, but we are more happy with how all of our guys put in really good shifts. We are seeing continued improvements in our defensive commitment and shape as well as our willingness to get numbers in the attack. These guys are playing with a togetherness and a desire right now that is fun to be part of.” – Coe-Brown’s Christian A. Gompert
Records: Coe-Brown 6-3-0; Pembroke 4-4-0
Bishop Brady 3, Mascoma Valley 2
Key players: Bishop Brady – Sal Aubin (G), Jack Lyons (A), Logan Hannigan (G), Conor Raposo (A), Miles Lavoie (G), Ariel Okindeo (A)
Highlights: On a rain-soaked afternoon, both teams battled through several momentum shifts before Lavoie was able to drive home the winning goal, on a feed from Okinedo in the first overtime for a big win. Keeper Liam Masner made seven solid saves for the Giants.
Coach’s quote: “Both teams fought hard today considering the wet conditions. I am very proud of our team effort, the resolve of our midfield and defensive unit, and consistent fight the guys showed on the field this afternoon.” – Brady’s Michael Ling
Records: Bishop Brady 4-3; Mascoma Valley 4-4
Portsmouth Christian 9, Franklin 0
Key players: Franklin – Aidan Collum, Marcus Marland
Records: Portsmouth Christian 5-1-2; Franklin 0-7
Hopkinton 3, Winnisquam 0
Key players: Hopkinton – Shea Dickson (G), Andrew Beckwith (G, A), Josh Duval (G), Aidan Burns (2 saves)
Highlights: The Hawks collected their third straight shutout win, in large part thanks to Burns in goal and a solid showing from the back line. Duval scored his first varsity goal on an intelligent hit from 20 yards out that he hammered low and hard past the keeper. Dickson’s goal was a rebound from a Beckwith shot and Beckwith’s goal was an emphatic slam into the back of net after a slick run along the baseline.
Coach’s quote: “Sometimes on a wet, sloppy field all that matters is the win and today we got that accomplished.” – Hopkinton’s Scott Zipke
Records: Hopkinton 6-2; Winnisquam 1-6
Hopkinton 77, Mascenic 71, Woodsville 19
Key players: Hopkinton – Kody Dexter (25 points), Dan Miner (19), Evan Fairneny (17), Colby Marshall (16)
Highlights: All six Hawks scored in double digits on senior night. The four seniors – Miner, Marshall, Andrew Fairneny (13 points) and Colby Malcolm (10) – all scored well.
Coach’s quote: “Great way for the seniors to go out in their last home match beating rival Mascenic to avenge one of their previous losses.” – Hopkinton’s Dave Chase
Records: Hopkinton 12-2