The White Reserves put an exclamation point on their season with a 2-1 victory in the State Cup final oner Lansdowne on Sunday at Tibbett’s Brook Park in Yonkers. The match was hard fought and very even for the vast majority. Lansdowne came out strong and put some pressure on CPR with a three striker system and persistent long balls coming in. As the match leveled out CPR began to impose their will, holding possession, and moving out of the midfield into the attacking third. There were not many clear cut chances for either side. Towards the end of the half Dan C. caught a Lansdowne defender on the ball, managed to dribble and force his way through a converging Lansdowne back line and from a tough angle rifled the ball past the keeper into the far post.
Lansdowne came out energized in the second half with long balls and committed runs. They created a few close chances on corners and long throw ins, but John stood firm and made a number of crucial saves to keep CPR on top. About half way through the referee continued his pattern of shocking decisions by awarding Lansdowne a penalty after Dan Riso took the ball off of a Lansdowne midfielder near the top of the box. They converted to even the match. From here on the game opened up with fatigue setting in for both squads. There was space all over leading to some decent chances and very hard fouls. The referee was loosing his grip on the match with some 2-footed Lansdowne challenges being thrown in here and there. Right as it looked like full time would come at 1-1, CPR was awarder a free kick about 40 yards out on the left flank. Dan Riso played it down the wing to Andres who floated a ball to the back post. It was met there on a curling run by Matt for the game winner. CPR smoothly saw out the final few moments and were crowned D’Arpino State Cup Champions. The Clubs first State Cup Title.
Squad: Andy Ma, Matt, Mark, Chris B, Archie, Toph, Riso, Mike Ne., Norelli, Dan C, Jon
Subs: Muzza, Jacopo, Sol, Joakim, Andres
