Hansa Rostock left-sider Heath Pearce was mighty bummed out in the aftermath of Friday's tough luck home loss to Hannover 96, who bagged three goals in the final six minutes to claim the points.

The late onslaught came after Die Kogge had squandered several chances to break a scoreless deadlock, including a few for the American wingback, who came on at the break in a pushed up midfield role.

"It's devastating," Pearce told American Soccer Daily. "I mean, anytime that you fight your way back into the game, you have to keep the standard for the rest of the game. A few slips and we found ourselves three behind."

The California native rued his luck after coming close on three occasions. In the span of just over 20 minutes, Pearce narrowly missed reaching a goalmouth cross, was robbed by Reds keeper Robert Enke after being lobbed into the area and saw some Altin Lala hustle steal the chance for a tap-in.

"I had some chances today to put us in good position," sighed the US international. "Unfortunately, they did not go my way."

As for his opportunity to slide forward from left back, Pearce found the assignment both exciting and helpful to his development.

"I love being in the attack," he declared. "It's a fresh change for me. I still see LB as my position, but I think the more I play LM, the better I will become."

"Repetition is key for finishing and crossing and these things, dribbling at speed. Hopefully, if I am gonna be used at left midfield, I can get some more reps in game situations."

The defeat also failed to dampen his enthusiasm for squaring off against fellow USMNT defender Steve Cherundolo, with whom he had some hearty challenges.

"It was great," said Pearce. "I was really happy to play against a fellow American and it was a fun match-up."

"I've got some swelling above my knee from his cleat, but that's okay," he cracked. "I forgive him."

The two swapped shirts after the final whistle, and Cherundolo offered face-to-face words of encouragement to a countryman he often counsels over the phone.

"He told me stay positive and be patient," reported Pearce. "He is a wise man. He helps me out a lot."