By Christopher Shaban
Eagle Times Correspondent
CLAREMONT, NH — The red-hot Cardinals moved to 6-0 on the season after winning 1-0 in a hard-fought battle against Mascoma. This defensive gem was highlighted with the majority of the battle being in the middle third of the pitch, but physical play was all over the field.
Goalies were the difference in this one as the Cardinals’ Nevin Marsh was just a bit better than the Royals’ Matt Favreau; both were brilliant.
Great tactical play from both teams and crisp passing had the big crowd entertained all evening. With the first half ending deadlocked 0-0, shots were minimal, but Luke Belisle whistled one high and Connor Miller’s speed threat kept the Mascoma defense on edge.
Mascoma charged out fast to start the second half with a purpose, but Marsh was up to the challenge as Stevens looked to take control. With Mason Ferland, Davin Boehle and Josh Howe making gains into the Royal end, a laser off the foot of Kieran Heath forced the Royal keeper to make a diving save to keep the scoreboard clean. That Cardinal momentum would last for a big stretch and the pressure resulted in a free kick 40 yards away from the goal. Logan Minckler lined up his shot and blasted it on goal as Favreau came off his line and leapt to try and punch the shot away. With Belisle in his face, Favreau’s knee came up and rammed into Belisle as both players made a play on the ball.
“We made contact but we both ran into each other as I jumped to try and get a head on the shot,” said Luke Belisle.
With the Mascoma goalie crashing to the ground after the collision, the shot found the back of the cage to give Stevens a 1-0 lead as the junior keeper protested loudly. Mascoma then turned up their intensity over the final 12 minutes as their offense was goal hunting but faced a strong Cardinal defense.
“I just tried my best,” said Nevin Marsh. “We are a pretty confident bunch right now and we tightened things up.”
Matt Wilmot, Pat Prive, Jackson Fellows and Oliver Stone and the Stevens defenders found themselves under attack as Mascoma peppered the Cardinal goal but couldn’t find the net as Stevens held on to grab their 6th win against zero losses with a 1-0 win.
“This wasn’t pretty, but we kept grinding against a really good Mascoma team,” said Stevens Head Coach Jason Stone. “We did lots of good things today as we continue to learn every time we step on the field.”
Stevens (6-0) is one of only three undefeated teams in Division 3 and will face Kearsarge on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 5 p.m. during the Cardinals homecoming weekend.
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