Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (3) vs. Hudson (6)

The Cobras first indoor game of the season was against a tough Hudson team.

Hudson appeared to have the indoor legs about them while the Cobras were still getting use to the indoor game.

The Cobras struggled during the first half. Erik was in net and allowed 4 goals, but did manage a couple saves. Nate replaced him in the second half. His aggressive play favored the indoor game and he let in only 2 goals, both hard fought for by Hudson.

The Cobras did have 3 good scoring chances, with Vinnie getting 2 good goals and Timmer getting 1. Vinnie's incredible hustle was obvious throughout the game.

By the second half of the game the Cobras vastly improved their game and seemed to get the rust out of their indoor game. They played much better in the second half, with better passing and more shot chances.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (1) vs. Raymond (0)

The Cobras second game was officially a forfeit as Raymond did not show up for the game. Instead, the Cobras took on Hampshire FC, a co-ed team that had just finished a game of it's own against Hudson.

Although Hampshire FC defeated the Cobras 5-4 in this pick-up game, the boys played much better and made far more opportunities for themselves. Not to mention they had Josh back...left hand wrapped up to protect his broken finger. He was a welcome addition to the team as he managed 2 goals in the game.

Nate spent the whole game in net this time and had a fantastic game. He and a much stronger defense were the two things that kept the Cobras in this game.

In addition to Josh's 2 goals, Nick and Timmer each got another notch in their stats.

Matt S played a fantastic game as left forward. He fought long and hard to win every ball in the far corner and sent a number of good crosses and bank shots into the middle.

The Cobras played down a couple goals for a while, but made an impressive comeback to get into the lead. By the end of the game, the score was tied at 4 and there was under a minute left with Hampshire FC pounding at the Cobras with shot after shot. The Cobras were unable to clear the ball and Nate was diving everywhere to stop shots. With only a second or two left in the game, a Hampshire FC shot was inadvertantly deflected by a Cobra player (who shall remain nameless because of the otherwise excellent game he had) and went into the back of the net.

A tough loss for the Cobras, but it didn't count! These two teams will meet again next week...for real.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (6) vs. Hampshire FC (6)

Nashua Cobras played the Hampshire FC club (for real) that they had met the previous week in an unsheduled exhibition. This game featured 3 new players for the Cobras - guests Brendan and Daniel as well as new recruit, Dante. This game was judged by all observed as riveting and very fast-paced excitement.

With Daniel in goal, Hampshire FC got on the board 7:36 minutes in. With 8 minutes left on the clock Hampshire FC made it 2-0. About a minute later, Nick A stopped Hampshire FC on the defensive right side and sent a nice lead pass up the left-wing to Timmer who quickly passed over to the middle for Matt to zig and zag and then slam in for a goal (2-1). The Cobras then knotted the score with 5 minutes left in the half on a well executed wall-pass from Brendan to Brendan for a fancy-footwork goal (2-2). Hampshire FC notched the tiebreaker with 1 minute left in the half (3-2). Nate nearly scored the equalizer with 5 seconds left in half, but the keeper withstood his challange to end the half. At the half it was safe to say that Daniel was solid and steady in his indoor Cobras debut.

The first tally of the 2nd half was an unassisted gem by Matt D at 4 minutes in (3-3). Hampshire FC then retook the lead on a Nate nutmeg with 11 minutes remaining in the game (4-3). Two minutes later Hampshire FC seemed to put away the game on a mishandled ball at the goalmouth (5-3). But Timmer began the comeback with an unassisted tally 2 minutes later (5-4). With 5 minutes left, Brendan sent a nifty lead to Timmer who secured the equalizer (5-5). With 2:40 left in the game, Timmer completed the natural hat-trick unassisted (6-5).

As seemingly all Cobras indoor games have gone this fall/winter, a shooting gallery ensued on the Cobra net in the final minutes. Nate's blood was spilled in a melee in the goalmouth. With less than a minute left, Hampshire dealt the Cobras a tie (6-6).

In summary, a very impressive performance by new and old players alike.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (2) vs. Hudson (7)

Nashua Cobras played this week even more short-handed than for the 2nd game of last week (Rising Stars probably would have done well not to schedule games this holiday weekend). In summary, Greg and Bryan were reportedly visiting Vermont, Erik was returning from "chad-country" Florida, Brendan was at a birthday party and Scott was healing a broken hand. Matt S and Daniel were unexpectedly unavailable for this game. This scenario provided for some very interesting (dare I say creative -- no, only if it works!) defensive and goalkeeping combinations.

The Cobras actually started off controlling the ball with persistent offensive pressure on a very effective Hudson keeper. Vinnie broke through at 13:17 after a flurry of shots rang the Hudson goal (1-0). Hudson retaliated after some remarkable Nate saves about a minute later. Hudson took the lead for the 1st time with 6 and 1/2 minutes left in the half on either a lucky or well-placed free kick over everyone's head by Hudson (2-1). With 3 minutes left, Hudson made it 3-1 after a siege on Nate's goal.

After halftime Tyler relieved a weary Nate (who contracted a sore wrist in practice). This was clearly a "short-straw" scenario since no-one else left was keeper-competent or willing. Tyler followed his word and did the best he could, but his lack of experience in net led to 2 Hudson goals in 12 minutes of work (5-1). After an "on-the-fly" keeper change (live-action from Tyler to Nate, including switching gloves), Nate made a fantastic save with one glove on and the other in his hand. Hudson shortly followed with another tally to make it 6-1. Near the end of the contest, Dante breathed some life into the Cobras by sending a sweet pass to his left across the box for a Greg M one-timer (6-2). Hudson closed out the scoring on some fine passing by their cadre of Division I players (7-2).

All in all not a bad effort for an overworked, often admittedly playing out-of-position group tonite. In particular, it should be noted that Keith and Greg M were very effective on defense while playing many minutes. Timmer also had many nice setups to teammates that unforunately turned into unfinished symphonies (It should also be noted that Josh suffered a strained hamstring prior to the game, adversely affecting his running and shooting ability).

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (1) vs. Raymond (0)

The Cobras second game was officially a forfeit as Raymond did not show up for the game. Instead thet played Hampshire FC in another game.

The boys managed their first defeat of the strong Hampshire FC team in a 4-3 victory. Goals came from Timmer (unassisted), Matt D (from Timmer), Brendan (from Timmer) and a final unassisted tally from Timmer.

Timmer pretty much owned this game with his 2 unassisted goals and assist on the other 2 goals. Excellent game for him.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (2) vs. Hampshire FC (4)

Nate started in goal for the first half. Hampshire scored first on a shot that went past Nate. A little later in the half Hampshire scored another goal putting the Cobras down 0-2.

Throughout the first half the Cobras blasted shot after shot at the Hampshire keeper, but just could not find the back of the net. Timmer and Matt combined for a number of good plays up front as did Erik, Tyler and Vinnie.

In the second half, Brendan gave a tired Nate a break in net.

After another flurry up front, timmer sent a wall pass off the back wall that found Bryan at the front of the net and he stuffed it into the back of the net to get the Cobras on the board.

Hampshire managed to come right back and get another goal to make the score 1-3 in their favor.

Mid way through the second half Tyler took the ball up the right side and slipped a shot, near post, past the Hampshire keeper for an unassisted goal.

Hampshire managed one more goal on a bit of a fluke. A shot was made and Brendan went down to save it, but a last second deflection off a Cobra player sent the ball in a slightly different direction and Brendan didn't have a chance. The final score was 2-4 in favor of Hampshire.

The Cobras stayed on for a second, unofficial game against Hudson who managed a 2-5 win over the Cobras. It was a tough game for the Cobras, but Keith got his first indoor goal and Timmer added another to his tally.

Erik, Nate and Brendan all spent time in net for the Cobras.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (5) vs. Hudson (4)

Nate started in goal against an always tough Hudson indoor squad. Hudson got off to a good start with a 2-0 lead with about 10 minutes left in the half. At this point, the Cobras began their ascent.

Nick got himself into good position (albeit seated) in front of goal and scored from his deriere (Hudson 2-1). On defense, Erik (who hustled effectively all nite logging large minutes) started the transition to offense with a good lead pass up the left-hand boards to Timmer who was able to evade the defense and beat the keeper one on one (2-2 half-time tie).

The Cobra offense took control in the 2nd half affording Josh a relatively untested debut (while Josh stepped up well to clear balls, threw well to start the transition and even made a save with one foot over the goal box, he was supported strongly on D by Matt D, Greg M, Erik and Nate).

Nate put the Cobras ahead on a fine pass from Greg M (3-2 Cobras). Later Brendan won a ball at midfield, and after deftly dribbling past Hudson players sent a pretty lead to Timmer alone in the box, Timmer patiently waited for the keeper to flop in desperation and slipped the ball into goal (4-2 Cobras). The Cobras scored their 5th unanwered goal on a pass from Timmer to a well-positioned Matt S, who beat his man and the keeper (Cobras 5-2).

The Cobras offensive dominance faded in the last 5 minutes as an intent Hudson team scored twice. However the Cobras withstood the challange (which was a total team effort) and took a refreshing 5-4 victory.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (3) vs. Hudson (9)

The final game of the session (the tournament that never happenned) was a tough one for the Cobras. They were solidly beaten by Hudson.

This game did see some good playing by the Cobras, but overall it was a tough game.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (2) vs. Bedford Classics (7)

The Cobras first game of the second indoor session was during a blizzard that kept all but 4 of the Cobras home and saw only 6 of the Bedford Classics show for the game. Since the Cobras had only 4 players, they had to forfeit the game, but 4 of the Hampshire FC girls stayed around to play with the Cobras against the girls of the Bedford Classics.

Brendan played the first half in net. A solid effort, allowing just 2 goals.

The Classics got on the board very early on a good shot past Brendan, but the Cobras came right back with some solid offense.

Nate evened out the score with his, and the teams, first goal of the second session. It was a good shot from just outside the goal box.

Timmer put the Cobras in the lead with one of his own shortly after Nate's goal.

The Classics did managed another goal, but not with a fight. Brendan did a great job in net with good saves, smart plays and a lot of talking to his defenders.

At the end of the first half the score remained 2-2.

In the second hald, one of the Hampshire FC players went into net and was whacked for 4 straight goals. In some cases it was minimal help from the defense and in others, inexperienced goalkeeping.

Nate replaced the Hampshire FC player about midway through the half and he surrendered one goal.

The Cobras did battle hard and played a pretty good game. They had more than a few scoring opportunities. A couple times they were stopped by the crossbar and posts. On one memorable play, Brendan drilled a shot from just this side of midfield. It dipped over the keeper, but hit the cross bar, deflecting down and bouncing right to Nate. Nate headed the ball over the keeper, but it hit the crossbar again and the keeper grabbed it.

So the game ended with the Classics up 7-2.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (0) vs. Hudson (7)

The Cobras played a different looking Hudson team, missing a few key players and with a few new players. The Cobras also had a few new players joining them, including Josh R, Josh P and Jonathan.

Josh H started in net for the Cobras. Hudson started off early with an unfortunate sneaker past Josh and shortly thereafter with a soli shot past Josh. Other than those 2 goals, the Cobras spent a fair amount of time pounding Hudson down in their end. But, alas, the Cobras just could not finish.

The play during the game was somewhat evenly split with the edge in shots probably going to the Cobras who were consistently rebuffed by the excellent goalkeeping of the Hudson keeper (that kid played very well). Hudson ended up defeating the Cobras 0-7.

As for the 3 new players, JT, took a little time to get his soccer legs back, but ended up playing a very good game. Josh R looked like he'd never left the field. He hustled constantly and played very well. Josh P, playing up a year (as are Matt S and Nick), fit in well and also had a good game.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (1) vs. Hudson II (2)

The Cobras were in for a short-handed nite for several reasons. Tonite's game was rescheduled from the usual Saturday nite tilt due to the late entry of Hudson II to Session II (previously there were 7 Session II teams). The switch from Saturday nite to Friday (at last minute's notice by Rising Stars), caused a conflict for 4 of the Cobras.

Unfortunately, the game was played on the tiles this week (which last week resulted in many Cobra pratfalls and bumps/bruises). This week two Cobras would fall victim to this surface.

The Cobras started a man short (due to extensive traffic on the Everett Turnpike) and played an unscored match until 7 minutes passed by (Hudson 1-0). Matt S arrived 12 minutes into the contest to provide a 6th field player (still no subs). The arrival of JT a few minutes later proved a valuable addition to the flow of the game. Josh H, Nate and Brendan did a fine job in goal in the 1st half with mucho hustle from a beleaugered short-squad (Nick Allen and Josh Ratta arrived with about 10 minutes left in the 1st half much to the Cobras delight).

The Cobras continued tenacious play against a very physical Hudson squad in the second half but Hudson grabbed a 2-0 lead about 10 minutes into the second half.

With about 12 minutes remaining (and Timmer out for the game with a swelling knee after a collision with a Hudson player on a breakaway), Nick hustled down the right side and beat the defense. He sent a wonderful pass across the crease for a wide-open Vinnie to hammer home (fortunately Vinnie had arrived a few minutes into the 2nd half to position himself so nicely).

With the Cobras mounting tremendous pressure with 6 minutes left, Brendan went down hard on his tailbone after another crash with a Hudson player (he too was out for the remainder of the game).

The Cobras retained their spirited level of play and resiliency in the final minutes with one remaining sub (final score 2-1 Hudson).

In summary, the Cobras received very inspired play from Dante, Matt S and Josh H as well as spectacular goalkeeping by Nate in the second half. After just two games, JT fits in as if he's been there all year. In a nutshell, given a full squad on a decent playing surface, the Cobras would have prevailed tonite.

Bottom line is this result, as well as previous games throughout both sessions, give me confidence that both the Cobras and the NYSL recreational team will be much improved this spring (and that was the whole point of indoor anyway).

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (8) vs. TriTown (2)

The game started with a goal, snuck past Josh H, from TriTown about 6 minutes into the game.

The Cobras answered that with a goal that came after a pass off the back wall by Jonathan found Vinnie in front of the net. Vinnie buried it in the back of the net to tie the score at 1-1.

Brendan put the Cobras on top 2-1 with an unassisted rocket from just this side of the center of the field.

After a little bit of a slow start, the Cobras put it in high gear. Their passing was solid and they took advantage of almost every mistake made by Tritown, turning them into scoring chances.

After another spate of exceptional passing and teamwork by the Cobras, Timmer sent a pass off the back of the wall to Josh P who buried it in the net to put the Cobras up 3-1.

In the second half Jonathan replaced Josh H in net. This was Jonathan's first appearance in net for the Cobras and he put on a very nice show with a number of great saves and some aggressive goalkeeping.

Right off the bat, Vinnie took a nicely crossed ball from Matt S in front of the net and, drawing the keeper and defenders to the left side of the net, spun and sent a shot to the open right side of the net to put the Cobras up 4-1.

Shortly after that goal, Vinnie starting with the ball in the Cobras end of the field, took the ball up the left side, did a wall pass to himself, saw daylight and took the ball all the way down the field. The Tritown defense was nowhere to be seen, so he took his time coming down, lined up the shot and buried it in the far corner for his 3rd of the game. Cobras up, 5-1.

The Cobras parents began to feel for the TriTown keeper who had little, if any, help from his defenders for much of the game. He faced a multitude of shots and made some solid saves, but if a team gets 20+ shots, odds are that more than a few will find the back of the net.

The Cobras notched another goal off a corner kick. Keith sent the corner to Brendan who cut back to the left and sent an unexpected outside of the foot shot curving past the Tritown keeper. Cobras up, 6-1.

Tritown did get another goal late in the second half. The Cobras had been so successful keeping the ball in TriTown's end of the field that the Cobras defenders were spending a lot of time on the Tritown end of the field. One long pass to a Tritown forward left him alone with Jonathan (who had already had one amazing breakaway save and, by all accounts, a zillion really good saves). Jonathan chose to stay close to the net this time and it left enough room for the TriTown forward to put one past him. Cobras still up, 6-1.

But the Cobras weren't done yet. Vinnie topped an amazing night off with yet another goall off a pass from Nick A.

With little time left, Nathan ripped a left footed shot past the TriTown keeper, setting the final score at 8-2.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (1) vs. Bedford Blast (7)

Tonight the Cobras faced a talented and rather large Bedford team.

The Cobras started out with limited subs...a number of players showed up just after the game began and they ended with a good set of subs for the game.

Bedford managed to get on the board first with a very nice wall pass off the back wall to a waiting Bedford player in front. Josh H couldn't quite get a hand on the quick moving pass and a Bedford player buried it in the back of the net.

Brendan tied the score at 1 each on an unassisted blast from just outside the box to the top, far corner of the net. I don't think the Bedford keeper even saw it coming.

Bedford went up 1-2 on another goal and with barely a couple seconds left in the first half, Josh H left the net in what looked like an attempt to tie the ball up in the corner for the last couple second, but a Bedford player stole the ball and put a quick shot into the net to set the score at 1-3 at the end of the first half.

Given that this was a very strong and physical Bedford team, the Cobras played very well in the first half. The Cobras parents noted the excellent passing and teamwork throughout the first half.

In the second half, Nate replaced Josh in net and immediately felt the brunt of Bedford. From about 10 feet away, a Bedford player drilled a shot at Nate whose (understandable) instinct was to duck...and the ball went into the net. Bedford up, 1-4.

Bedford tallied another goal to put them up 1-5. The sixth Bedford goal should never have counted. Nate had stopped the ball and turned around with it when a Bedford player just flattened him fron behind. Nate lost the ball and into the net it went. The parent simply could not understand why the referee let that one go...

Bedford managed one final goal before the end of the game to set the score at 1-7.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (8) vs. Litchfield (2)

The Cobras old outdoor nemesis...Litchfield. Time to expel those old demons, and the Cobras were up to the task.

The Cobras maintained control from the start and Brendan got them on the board first with an unassisted goal.

Litchfield managed to counter quickly on a long high shot that Josh H was unable to get a handle on.

Nick A put the Cobras up 2-1 on an excellent play when he came down the left side of the field at full tilt with a defender matching his stride. He smartly pulled up quickly, ditching the defender. This left him just enough time to tee up and rip a shot that the litchfield keeper couldn't stop.

One of the Litchfield players has been getting a little rough with Nick A (lots of hockey style checks into the boards). Shortly after the goal, Nick brought the ball down into the left corner and once again the Litchfield player body slammed Nick into the wall. This time the referee called the foul and nicely setup Brendan who took the free kick from the back wall and drilled a shot off the keeper and into the net. This put the Cobras up 3-1.

The Cobras continued with some very good playing, but were not talking with each other, so they had a few instances where 2 players were on the ball at the same time. Not a good thing.

In what was almost the play of the game, Tyler sent a long pass up from the Cobras end of the field that went past everyone and to the Litchfield keeper. The keeper was far too casual about handling the ball and it actually bounced though his legs, but luckily for him, went off the post.

The first half ended with the Cobras up 3-1 and Josh H having performed very well in net. In the second half, Nate replaced Josh H in net.

The Cobras started strong in the second half, getting an early goal from Nick A. Matt S had brought the ball up the right side and took a shot that bounced off the keeper right to Nick A who put it into the net. Cobras up 4-1.

The referee was letting a number of handballs (on both sides) go. One so blatant, in fact, that the Litchfield player was shaking his hand because it hurt from being hit by the ball. Still no call from the referee.

Josh R set up the next goal on a pass up to Timmer who found himself open in front of the net. He sent a solid shot past the keeper to put the Cobras up 5-1.

Brendan picked up another unassisted goal as he took the ball up the field and found himself in front of the net with very little defensive pressure from Litchfield. He drilled his shot past the keeper to put the Cobras up 6-1. This gave Litchfield another player on the field.

Within just a minute or so, Brendan picked up yet another goal as he and Matt S brought the ball up and Brendan just bobbed and weaved around the Litchfield defense and sent another shot easily past the litchfield keeper. Cobras up 7-1.

The extra player for Litchfield finally paid off for them. After a bit of a flurry in front of the Cobras net, they managed to get one past Nate. Cobras still up 7-2.

Dante capped off the night with a goal of his own. The set the final score at 8-2 in favor of the Cobras.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (6) vs. Hampshire FC (4)

The final regular indoor game of session II had the Cobras facing off against Hampshire FC, a solid soccer club. Tonight, Hampshire was missing a number of their players and had no subs whatsoever.

With Josh H in net, the Cobras started strong and looked good. They controlled the ball well, showed some good teamwork in their passing and kept it in Hampshire's end.

After a few close attempts from Timmer, Brendan and Jonathan, Jonathan struck first on what appeared to be an unassisted goal early in the first half.

The Cobras kept up the pressure with many shots stopped by some fantastic saves from the Hampshire keeper.

As the pressure continued, the Cobras struck again. This time it was Nick redirecting Matt D's pass from the right side past the Hampshire keeper to put the Cobras up 2-0.

Hampshire got on the board via an own goal (credited to nothing more than an accident) when a series of rebounds off the wall spun Josh H around a couple times as he tried to grab hold of the ball. The ball ended up bouncing off him and into the net.

We had some interesting changes in the second half. Nate replaced Josh H in net and Erik, Nick and Matt S were suddenly playing for Hampshire! With no subs, the Hampshite players weren't going to last long so the 3 boys volunteered to switch sides for the remainder of the game. This effectively caused Hampshire to forfeit the game.

Erik, Nick and Matt S found new life and desire playing on the Hampshire girls side. Perhaps it was a desire to stick it to their teammates a little or perhaps it was an effort to impress the girls on the Hampshire side, but the 3 boys started playing up a storm.

Matt D put the Cobras up 3-1 with a goal early in the second half. Brendan added to the Cobras total with a rocket from right side that the otherwise impressive Hampshire keeper didn't have a chance of getting to.

With the Cobras up 4-1, the 3 "ex-Cobras" boys put it in high gear. Matt S sent a pass off the back wall that bounced past Nate. Erik was right there to put it in and set the score at 4-2.

Just a few minutes later, the 2 boys reversed their roles. Erik bounced a shot off Nate that Matt S was there to put into the net.

Brendan put the Cobras up by 3 when he took a pass from Mike F directly in front of the net and sent his shot low to the keepers left and into the net. This put the Cobras up 5-3.

The Cobras pushed harder and were keeping the ball in the Hampshire end of the field. After a bit of a flurry and Erik attempting on a couple occasions to get the ball out of their end, he attempted a clearance directly in front of the Hampshire net. Taken by Brendan, who was wide open, and drilled into the back of the net to put the Cobras up 6-3.

The Hampshire girls finally managed to get one of their own to score with only a few seconds to play. The final score was 6-4 in favor of the Cobras.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (3) vs. Hudson (4)

This was the Tournament night for Session II; single elimination in 25 minute games.

The Cobras started out strong against a good Hudson team. They had a number of good shot opportunities from Timmer, Nate, Brendan and Josh R, but couldn't sink one until Dante took a long ball up the middle (the parents didn't know who sent the ball up to him) and slipped one past the Hudson keeper to put the Cobras on top 1-0.

The Cobras had good strong defense in the beginning of the game, led by Mike F and stunning goalkeeping by Josh H who stopped a couple breakaway's with good style.

At the midpoint of the 25 minute game, Timmer sent in a shot from the left side that the keeper stopped and deflected to Nate who promptly sent it into the net to put the Cobras up 2-0.

Things were looking good for the Cobras, even after Hudson managed a goal of their own shortly after the Cobras second goal.

In their next run down the field, Nick had the ball on the left side at about the top of the box. He slid a nice pass over to Erik on the right side. Erik did a quick, one-touch flick to feed Dante who was coming up the middle unattended. Dante buried the ball in the net to put the Cobras up 3-1.

With only a few minutes left, Hudson stepped up the pressure and managed 2 more goals to tie the game at 3 each. Very unfortunate for the Cobras who had played very well up to that point. It was a fun game to watch with nice passing and defending on both the Cobras and Hudson ends of the field.

With a tie at the end of regulation, a 5 minutes, sudden death "3 Vs 3" match was played. In just a matter of seconds, the ball went into the Cobras end and inadvertantly deflected into the Cobras net giving Hudson the win.

Session II ended with a much improved Cobra team, looking forward to Session III.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (2) vs. Hudson I (6)

The Cobras started off Session III with a game against the Hudson I team, a very strong team they've played in the last 2 sessions. The playoff game between these 2 teams in Session II went into overtime. Alas, things did not turn out as well for the Cobras this time.

With Mike F vacationing in Florida this week, the Cobras were missing key element of their defense which had to be strong to stop this Hudson team.

However, we did have Nick K returning to the team and he made his presence felt. We were all glad to see him return to the Cobras.

The Cobras had a number of chances to score, including a couple early good shots by Erik aimed at the top of the net, but the Hudson keeper just managed to stop both. Hudson's defense and goal keeping held up well throughout the game.

Hudson went out in front with 2 quick goals. Josh was doing pretty well in net, but Hudson capitalized on the mistakes that the Cobras made.

The Cobras weren't about to quit and continued pressuring Hudson.

Hudson managed 2 more goals in the first half.

In the second half, Jonathan replaced Josh H in net. Josh had a tough game, but made some very good stops at times when the defense was lagging.

Josh H opted for a little revenge and quickly helped get the Cobras on the board with a free kick off the back wall that Nick K sent into the Hudson net to set the score at 1-4.

Hudson came back with another goal after a poor free kick by the Cobras went off a Hudson player and left the player with a breakaway against Jonathan who could not stop the shot. Hudson was not up 1-5.

Hudson added one final tally to make the score 1-6.

Timmer gave the Cobras their final goal on an unassisted blast from the left side of the box.

Jonathan played agressivly in net and performed very well in the second half.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (0) vs. Litchfield (2)

The Cobras took on Litchfield, a team they handily beat last session. This time around Litchfield appeared to have a few new players and a stronger desire.

With Josh H and Jonathan out this week, Nate played in net the entire game. Timmer was also vacationing this week. The presence of all 3 players were missed.

The Cobras played hard in the first half, with many chances to score coming from Matt, Nick K, Nick A and Dante, but they just could not get the ball into the back of the net.

The Cobras defense held very strong in the first half with Erik and Mike leading the way. Both had a number of exceptional plays on defense.

The temporary addition this week of Josh P and Nick A (making up for the loss of 3 players) was a boost as both played very well.

The Cobras had a close call when a Litchfield shot deflected off Erik's leg in front of the net, then deflected off Nate's leg, but went just wide of the net.

The first half ended in a 0-0 tie. In the second half, played resumed pretty much as it had in the first half with the Cobras pushing the ball hard, but unable to score. Passing was much crisper than in earlier games with Nick K, Nick A, Josh R, Erik and Dante doing some nice setup work for scoring chances.

Litchfield got on the board after a miscue deep in the Cobras end left a Litchfield forward alone in front of the net for an easy score.

The Cobras didn't quit...they continued to press hard, but Litchfield managed another score, ending the game at 0-2.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (3) vs. Bedford Blast (11)

Playing against Bedford's Division I team is, at times, just a little frustrating. The Cobras have dealt with them a number of times and held up pretty well.

Tonight's game was just a little tougher as the Cobras were on the wrong end of an 11-3 game.

Jonathan spent the first half in net and, despite 8 goals against, performed well. He had a number of impressive saves.

Bedford started off quick with a goal in the first 30 seconds. The Cobras came right back to tie it up. Matt took the ball down the right side and sent a nice cross to Timmer. His first shot went off the keeper and right back to him. He didn't miss the second time.

The Cobras kept the pressure up, but the much stronger (physically stronger and larger as well as technically stronger) Bedford team kept up their own pressure and reeled off 7 unanswered goals in the first half.

In the second half, Josh H took over netminding duties and performed quite well.

The Cobras pulled themselves together and turned up the pressure. They notched 2 goals in the first part of the second half.

The first goal was from Josh R, who took the ball all the way up the left side, ignored the passing options he had, beat the Bedford defender and sent a nice close shot past the keeper.

The Cobras next goal came after a huge flurry of activity in front of the Bedford net, with the ball banging around multiple players. Timmer ended up with the ball and put it into the back of the net. This made the score 3-8 in favor of Bedford.

Bedford did manage 3 more goals, 2 in the final couple minutes to make the final score 3-11. A frustrating game, but the Cobras did show some good passing and teamwork.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (3) vs. Hampshire FC (2)

Hampshire FC has always been a tough team for the Cobras to play. They are talented, but the Cobras can beat them. This was a good, tight game, but the Cobras had the edge and the posession time over Hampshire FC.

Josh H played the entire game in net and turned in another solid performance. There was one scary moment when a ball rolled through his hands, but he kept on it and kept it out of the net. Excellent recovery on that one!

The Cobras gave themselves plenty of chances in the first half with Matt, Jonathan, Timmer and Bryan all getting in there for shots, but to no avail. Bryan turned in one of the best games he's ever played for the Cobras.

Hampshire FC added some pressure of their own, but the Cobras defense held strong and Josh H was solid in net.

Josh H came up with nothing short of a magical save at one point. He had chased the ball out of the box to the side of the net, but was unable to get it cleared. The ball was passed into the box. Erik positioned himself in front of the net in hopes of blocking a shot, but when the quick shot came, Josh H flew in and grabbed the ball. The parents never saw him coming in. It was impressive effort and hustle on Josh's part.

Tyler came up big, creating a couple good chances for himself with nice moves, but couldn't find the back of the net.

The half ended in a 0-0 tie. As the second half began, the Cobras hit their stride and just pummeled the Hampshire keeper with shot after shot. There was a series of rebound shots that 3 Cobras players were in on...must have been 10 shots in a row, all one touch shots just wide of the net. The Hampshire keeper couldn't even keep track of the ball. Although none of the shots found the back of the net, the boys did well to pepper the keeper that way.

And then BAM! Timmer had the ball on the left side and just over the blue line he sent in a high rocket that went off the Hampshire keeper's fingers and into the net to put the Cobras up 1-0.

A few minutes later Hampshire evened the score with a long shot that made it over Josh's head.

After an injury restart in Hampshire's end, the Cobras got the ball and Jonathan scooted behind a Hampshire player at the side of the net. With the Hampshire keeper drawn to the edge of the net, Jonathan sent a perfect pass off the back wall that found Timmer alone in front of the net for an easy score. Cobras up, 2-1.

Just off the restart after the goal, Nate sent the ball up to Timmer who, just inside the halfway line, drilled a shot past the Hampshire keeper to put the Cobras up 3-1.

Hampshire wasn't giving up. One of their players got through the defense for a 1-on-1 with Josh and got the ball past him with vey little time left. The game ended with the Cobras up 3-2.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (3) vs. Hudson II (7)

Tonight the Cobras faced the "other" Hudson team which appears to be a stronger overall team.

Hudson started things off fast, about 10 seconds in they walked in and put one past Josh H. Shortly after than they managed another goal to go up 0-2 quickly.

The Cobras settled down and got down to business. Dante got one back for the Cobras...an impressive one too. He and Matt D were on the right side. Matt sent a short pass over to Dante who, without looking, shot as he turned and put the ball right over the Hudson keepers head. It caught the keeper totally off guard.

Later, Hudson managed another goal off a well placed series of 1 touch passes that managed to get right through the Cobras defense with the final shot getting past Josh H. Hudson was now up 1-3.

Towards the end of the half the boys were putting some passes together and getting through Hudson's defense, but they were having trouble finding the back of the net.

In the second half Nate replaced Josh in net. Hudson's first goal in the half came off a free kick that was drilled past Nate, putting Hudson up 1-4.

The Cobras defense had a little trouble, leaving Nate a little too exposed and Hudson capitalized with another goal.

All the pushing up the field and passing payed off for the Cobras as Jonathan fed Timmer who put the ball past the Hudson keeper.

Hudson managed two more goals in the half to put them up 2-7.

The most interesting goal of the night was the final one, a Cobra goal. With about 2 minutes left in the game the fire alarm went off. But this is soccer...we play on. The game didn't miss a beat as most of the place began to clear out. With the fire alarm blaring, Nick K took the ball up and stuffed it past the Hudson keeper. The fire alarm goal ended the game with Hudson up 3-7.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (0) vs. Hudson II (8)

The time for this game had been changed to 6:00pm and there were a few people who either couldn't make it or didn't know about the time change. The Cobras started the game short on players and a couple arrived later on.

Josh H was injured so he stayed out of net this game. Jonathan took over netminding duties. With the Cobras short on subs against a strong Hudson team, they had a rough go of it.

Theie only goal to Hudson's 8 was one from Timmer.

In the end, the Cobras lost 1-8.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (5) vs. NSC II (3)

The Cobras played NSC II, a rec team made up of various players including, on occasion, some of the Cobras players.

Erik, Matt, Greg and Bryan were all AWOL this time around. Their presence was missed, but the Cobras played well in their absence.

NSC II started out with a quick goal to go ahead 0-1, but the Cobras weren't resting. Shortly after that goal, the Cobras struck back with one from Timmer, assisted by Dante.

All as quiet for most of the remainder of the first half, but with just a couple minutes left Tyler took a pass from Timmer and put his shot past the NSC II keeper to put the Cobras up 2-1.

About a minute an a half later, Tyler put another one in the net, this time with an assist from Jonathan. The first half ended with the Cobras on top 3-1.

About 10 minutes into the second half the Cobras found the back of the net once again as Timmer took a pass from Keith (playing back on defense) and put his shot past the NSC II keeper.

One minute later, Jonathan buried one for an unassisted goal to put the Cobras up 5-1.

NSC II managed 2 more goals before the end of the game, setting the final score at 5-3 in favor of the Cobras.

The Cobras played well and showed some very good passing. Josh H had yet another excellent game in net.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (5) vs. NSC II (5)

The Cobras faced NCS II again, this time with both teams short of players on a Thursday night. Tyler was loaned to NCS II which, in theory caused NCS II to forfeit the game.

This was not the best game the Cobras have played...very ugly in spots, mixed with some impressive passing.

The Cobras started with some pressure and a couple chances, but couldn't get past the defense of NCS II. The Cobras let up an easy first goal for NCS II and then some nice passing by NCS II led to their second goal.

With less than a minute left in the half and the Cobras down 0-2, Timmer ripped off a shot from the blue line on the left side. It bounced off the back wall and Nick K was there to stuff it into the back of the net, ending the half 1-2.

At the start of the second half NCS II got a couple quick goals to put them up 1-4. Shortly after that Jonathan replaced Josh H in net (an on the fly keeper change).

NCS II managed another goal, putting them up 1-5.

It was at this time that the Cobras finally got themselves going. In the latter part of the second half they knowcked off 4 unanswered goals.

It started with a nce cross from Timmer to Matt D who found the back of the net. This was followed closely by a shot from Timmer whose rebound found Josh H in front of the net. He buried it to set the score at 3-5.

Timmer kept it going with a long outside blast past the NCS II keeper and finished it, taking a cross from Josh H and popping it into the net to tie the score at 5-5.

Game Summary For

Nashua Cobras (2) vs. Hudson (5)

The final night of Session III was the tournament - 1/2 hour games with the winner advancing. The Cobras played in 1 game against the Hudson I team.

A couple minutes into the game Hudson got on the board to quickly put them up 0-1.

A few minutes later, a Hudson player sent in a wall pass of the back wall that played perfectly to a Hudson player at the top of the box. He sent in a shot aimed directly at Josh. However, another Hudson player was screening Josh and perfectly timed a jump that allowed the ball to just scoot past Josh who never even saw the ball until it came past the Hudson player standing directly in front of him. Well played by Hudson.

The Cobras got on the board with a nice long pass up the side to Matt who centered the ball to Nate who on touched it into the net to make the score 1-2.

During a flurry in the Cobras end, Hudson caught Josh out of the net for an easy one - Hudson up 1-3.

The Cobras came right back though with some more good team playing and passing. The Cobras were pounding the ball down in Hudson's end when Jonathan sent in a pass off the back wall. He ended up getting his own pass, did a quick pass to Timmer in the center and Timmer drilled it into the net to make the scrore 2-3.

Hudson managed 2 more goals late in the second half to make the final score 2-5.