The White reserves put on an impressive showing Sunday at McCarren Park against Floral Park in the State Cup Quarter-Final. From the first whistle CPR was in control. Having almost all of the possession, and dealing with a low pressure Floral Park defense, the Reserves found it rather easy to move the ball around. The most dangerous chance came as Muzza got on the end of a through ball, cut in behind the Floral Park back line and lashed a shot that forced a full stretch save from the keeper. Despite many more opportunities CPR could not break the dead lock before half time. The only danger posed to the CPR back line came off of rare, but somewhat nerve wracking counter attacks by Floral Park.
The second half opened on a much higher note for CPR, as a ball played into Sol’s feet in the box was brilliantly flicked into Norelli’s path, who smashed it home over the keeper’s right shoulder to take the lead. Norelli’s second tally came a few brief moments later as he found himself with no angle on the end line, but with some explosion of skill managed to sneak the ball between the keeper and the near post. Floral park managed to scrape one back about ten minutes later as a bouncing ball about 30 yards out was met with a wonder half-volley by their defensive center midfielder that swerved and dipped into the upper right corner. Jon made a valiant effort, but it was virtually unsavable, a once in a lifetime strike. Riso brought the game back to a comfortable level when he was upended after a slicing run resulting in a penalty, which he calmly tucked in the lower left. From there on it was all CPR with chance after chance as Floral Park lost hope, desire, and energy. Andres netted his first goal after coming back from his knee injury to make the final score 4-1.
The White Reserves play NYAC in the League Semi-Final Thursday May 24th next to Yankee Stadium at 8pm. The State Cup Semi-Final will be played Sunday May 27th on Randall’s Island against Mineola Portuguese at noon.
Squad: Sol (D), Matt (D), Chris B. (D), Andres (D), Dan C (M), Dan R (M), Toph (M), Lasse (M), Norelli (F), Muzza (F)
Subs: Jacapo, Joakim, Mike N.
