By Christopher Shaban
Eagle Times Sports
CLAREMONT — With the Stevens Cardinals looking to break into the Division II tournament bracket this year, the Lebanon Raiders didn’t help by handing Stevens a 4-0 setback Saturday night.
Sam Twarog got things rolling for Lebanon when he pulled the ball out of the air and made a quick strike that beat Cooper Moote only three minutes into the contest. Twarog grabbed another tally late in the half with a freak goal that skipped away from Moote after hitting a field hockey divot that Twarog belted in from 20 yards away.
Stevens coach Jason Stone and Lebanon coach Rob Johnstone are the best of friends. Stone describes Johnstone as not only one of the best coaches in New Hampshire but in New England.
“He is just a great coach and a class program and tonight when we stepped on the field, it’s all about us competing hard against them,” said Stone.
With Lebanon leading entering the second half and Stevens playing with a short bench due to mounting injuries, the Cardinals were in a defensive mode with Lebanon in firm control of the game. Cooper Moote had his fill of Lebanon shots as the Cardinals defensive line was under pressure form all angles.
Josh Thurber had no room to work from his midfield position as Tyler St. Martin was having a fantastic game from his center-mid position for Lebanon. The Cardinals began to show signs of offensive life when Tristan Lane connected with a streaking Brennan Huntoon until the swarm of Lebanon defenders smothered that attack.
Logan Falzarano added to the visitors’ score as Lebanon was playing downhill towards Cooper Moote. Brady Moote and Tyler Bonneau held their ground in the middle of the Cardinals defense but Lebanon spread things wide to force Colby Jarvis and Caleb Royce scampering into the corners to defend.
The final Lebanon score was a brawl in the net area as a corner kick landed on the near post. St. Martin came in play from behind the end line to lock up with Moote brothers but managed to get a foot on the ball and pushed it toward the 18, where Tommy Berthasavage had an open net to shoot at for the final 4-0 margin.
“I have to be honest when I say I didn’t sleep for the last two days before this game. I know Jason is a really good coach and Stevens is a team that scares me so I’m glad to grab a win and head home today,” said Johnstone after the game.
Lebanon improves to 12-1 with the win while Stevens stands at 5-8 with three games remaining.
“We had a decent battle tonight and against one of the premier teams in the state, We learned that we need to be quicker with the ball and pass to space faster. We don’t have time to dribble against teams like Lebanon and I know we are capable,” said Stone.
Stevens is looking to grab a playoff ticket and will head to Conant (4-9) on Monday, host Coe-Brown (8-6-1) on Wednesday then hit the road to play win-less Kingswood on Saturday.
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