Archive for: April, 2013

Legends stumble around in another drab stalemate with Argo Silver

Apr 30 2013 Published by under Legends

6pm Sunday evening was not ideal, but that was what the schedule threw up.  The Legends certainly wanted payback against Argo after their ignominious draw during Sandy weekend which saw them unable to score against 9 players, although the referee’s shortchanging the game by a hard to believe 16 minutes certainly contributed.

A typical 15 man squad was available although positions were somewhat off balance given Muro’s rare absence.  The fact that field #85 was of a diminutive size similar to #74 helped with the dearth of central midfielders, but conversely also diminished CPR’s advantage in substitutions.  Within the first few minutes CPR had the benefit of the wind and Argo on the back foot.  One snap shot was hit tamely to the keeper while a few other shots could not be kept on target.  Play appeared contradictory, with players finding the ball in plenty of space but the smallness of the field resulting in immediate pressure.  This put a premium on first touches and quick thinking, but outside of D’Andrea this was in short supply.  Over elaboration proved to be another thorn in the side of the Legends, attempted passing moves eschewing the more profitable strategy of “getting it into the mixer” that would have tested the keeper.

The most notable thing about the first half was that when the referee called it at 40 minutes, he actually listened to both teams protesting and had them come out and play the remaining time.  In contrast to the previous game against Argo, this was a refreshing understanding by the referee of his role in a Sunday afternoon old man game.  Of course, the added on 6-7 minutes were as uneventful as the previous 40.

After a brief tactical discussion the Legends were ready to go but were kept waiting by the opposition as their coach had some in depth tactical nous to bestow upon her charges, oblivious to the lack of lights and the rapidly failing twilight (perhaps that was her tactics, who knows?).  With the wind against them CPR were initially under pressure but slowly started to pass the ball around and regain control of the game.  The Referee made up for his light touch in the first half by letting some blatantly physical play go, unnecessarily escalating tensions.  Clear chances proved scarce, the best of them falling to Pritchard who hit the side netting from one and provoked an excellent save from another.  Meanwhile the defence was proving capable in snuffing out most chances at the other end.

A final flurry of activity was kicked off by yet another hard foul that was needlessly escalated by an Argo player, resulting in his sending off.  The extra player advantage was mostly nullified by the small field, but opened up the game at both ends.  In fact, it was Argo who had the best two chances at the end on counter attacks, the first blasted into orbit from a superb position by an attacker whose eyes must have been as big as saucers, the second was a somewhat difficult header with the goal at his mercy.

Two games, two 0-0 draws, not exactly an advertisement for the beauty that is middle aged Sunday Football.  The best thing that could be said about the game was that nobody got hurt and the beer was cold afterwards.

Shave you Hippy!
Pritchard huffed and puffed but couldn’t extend his goal tally

Competition: Argo Silver, League Opposition

Location: Randalls Island #85, Randalls Island

Conditions: Surprisingly chilly spring evening

Fans: None

Result: 0-0 (0-0 at H/T)

Yellow Cards: None.

Red Card: None

Mike D’s aka No Shows: None, with Panu Purhonen giving enough notice regarding work issues

Conboy’s aka Reverse Mike D’s: None.

”Mr. Glass” Fragility/Old Man Injury Award: None.

Old Man of the Match: Some good performances including honorable mentions of Pete Hahn & Luciano Belizano at the back, but nobody outstanding.

Old Man of the Bar: None.

El Presidente (new award for Old Men who don’t make it to game but come to the bar): None.

Mr. “Bed, Bath & Beyond” (Season award for least appearances as a full time squad member):

Realistically it’s hard to expect anyone to out ghost Mike D, but Silver & Bronze absentees are still up for grabs, and a single game here or there might drag down Walby & Teran into the battle

Name

Season Appearances (Games = 15)

Michael ‘Mike D’ Douglas

0

Mark ‘Tactics’ Dean

1

Manuel ‘Essentially’ Casanova

2

Team Bar Showing: 7 out of 15 (47%)

Team Bar Night:  2.5 out of 5: 5 guys came and watched the Man City vs Chelsea FA Cup semifinal which was an absorbing game, but not that much more staying power after that.

Team (No new profiles this week): Mark Becker (GK), Luciano Belizan (DF), Dan Bernoske (DF), Pete Hahn (DF), Lars Murray (DF), Andrew Faherty (DF), Steve Teesdale (DF), Dan Ochoa, Steve O’Connell, John Hodges, Milan Gupta, Tony Vamvouris, Manohar Venkataraman, Willan D’Andrea, Steve Pritchard

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Results from April 28th

Apr 29 2013 Published by under Club

CPR Womens Red @ Scala 4-0

CPR Womens White fell 0-1 to  Manhattan Kickers

CPR Mens White  fell 0-1 to United FC

CPR Mens White Reserve drew 1-1 with United FC

CPR Mens Red lost 2-4 to Mr. Dennehys FC

CPR Mens Black  beatFC Partizani, 3-1

CPR Grays edge Troy Turkish United 4-3 and win the league & promotion

CPR Old Boys beat FC Partizani 2-1 (brief report here)

CPR Legends  drew 0-0 with Argo Silver

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Old Boys Beat Partizani 2-1 To Chase 2nd Place

Apr 28 2013 Published by under Club, OldBoys

CPR Old Boys arrived at Randall’s Island in time to congratulate the CPR Grays on securing the Over 30′s 2nd Division title. The Old Boys are hoping to make it a CPR 1 and 2 finish.

Beating old foes Partizani 2-1 put the Old Boys within 2 points of the current 2nd place team, Hoboken, with each on equal games played and Hoboken having to play the newly crowned Champion Grays as one of the last 3 games. Partizani are on permanent probation with the league and are forced to provide three match officials for every game, which seemed to help as the game was largely incident free.

After a bright start, but many missed chances, the Old Boys finally made a breakthrough with Hakan setting up Chris Williams for a well-taken header. Three more chances went begging with Dave Sawyer finding acres of space but unfortunately not the back of the net.

In the second half, Eric Engler made it 2 nil with a well taken strike that cannoned in off a combination of goalkeeper and post.

Partizani threw numbers forward and eventually scored a consolation with 4 minutes remaining, leading to a nervy finale, but the Old Boys held firm and picked up a valuable three points. The defense and midfield earned particular praise during the post-game beers.

Competition: Partizani FC.
Result: 2-1 (1-0 at halftime).
Goals: Chris Williams (asst Hakan), Eric Engler (assist TBD).
Location: Randall’s Island #74.
Fans: Stevie Morse’s family continue to provide loyal and much appreciate support.
Yellow Cards: Willie Boyle.
Red Cards: none.
Old Man of the Match: Willie Boyle, Scott Brindley and Chris Williams tied it.
Manager of the Match: Despite having a weaker squad, the Old Boys cheekily voted that Partizani’s coach gave Becker a masterclass in management.
Team: Telly (keeper), Joe Phillips, Morse, Dan Ault, Brindley, Stower, Engler, Creighton, Sawyer, Chris Williams, Andy Jones, Willie Boyle.

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Schedule for April 28th

Apr 24 2013 Published by under Club

CPR Womens Red @ Scala, 9am East 6th

CPR Womens White @ Manhattan Kickers, 1pm East 6th

CPR Mens White  vs. United FC,  7:15pm Aviator Field

CPR Mens White Reserve vs. United FC,  5:15pm Aviator Field

CPR Mens Red @ Mr. Dennehys FC, 1pm Greenbelt Recreation Center

CPR Mens Black  @ FC Partizani, 3pm Greenbelt Recreation Center

CPR Grays vs. Troy Turkish United, 8am Randalls #74

CPR Old Boys vs. FC Partizani, 10am Randalls #74

CPR Legends  vs Argo Silver, 6pm Randalls #85

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FIRSTS TAKE A WEAK ROVERS APART

Apr 24 2013 Published by under Club, Whites

Following a league defeat to Barnstonworth Rovers the week before, the Whites had a change to quickly gain revenge in League Cup play. Unfortunately, the Rovers showed up with a weakened and at times short-handed team, making for a pretty one-sided contest. The first half saw CPR’s near total control only lead to one goal as Josh poked home from close range after some good work on the right wing presented him with the opening. A higher tempo was needed in the second half and the team obliged as we poured forward in numbers. Rovers were now down to 10 men as one of their players took a phone call on the sidelines and we took full advantage with two quick goals, a first for CPR from both Paul Racines and Charlie Fuentes. The comprehensive scoreline was secured as Riso popped up for the 4th. We gave away a sloppy late goal but by then the result was already assured and a semi-final against our teammates was secured.

Team: Ben, Karl, Charlie, Westy, Mike Ni, Kwesi, Mike Ne, Eli, Nick, Josh, Shane. Subs: Paul Racines, Dan Riso

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WHITE RESERVES HOLD ON TIGHT TO GO THROUGH IN LEAGUE CUP

Apr 24 2013 Published by under Club, Whites

This past weekend on Randall’s Island the White Reserves faced a very complicated NYPD FC to go through to the semis in League Cup competition.
The Whites came out strong and within 10 minutes were able to put one notch on the board after Greg Moss, in true “Aussie Style”, was able to beat not one, but two defenders on the right and put in a quality cross which was met by Brian to rocket-in a close range shot for his first ever CPR goal. The rest of the first half saw CPR and NYPD fighting for control of the ball with CPR putting in some great attacking options and the Cops finding a number of defensive holes in the White’s midfield. However, NYPD wasn’t really able to put anything of substance on goal as John had a superb game that involved excellent control of his area and pushing away any complications to the side of his net. CPR was almost able to go two-up in the second half after Carlos once again transformed himself into “Neymar” and hit a low curving shot off the left post from outside the eighteen.

After a quick strategy session at half time, CPR was able to come out and clearly take control of the second half. The midfield was able to close down space a lot quicker and the energy of the team was noticeably way more positive with every player on the Whites working hard to make sure individuals had passing options when they controlled the ball, and working hard to get back defensively to close down attacking players.

The last 10 minutes of the game saw CPR struggling to maintain control as NYPD pushed everyone forward looking for the equalizer. The Cops were able to get into the CPR eighteen a number of times but John and the defense feverishly worked to maintain the lead and hold on till the final whistle.

Congratulations to the Reserves for working hard for 90 minutes, playing some great football, pulling out a great win and changing the attitude of the season. This great win for the Reserves puts them through to the League Cup semis and up against our brothers, the CPR First’s. Bragging rights up for grabs and I’m sure some free beer and food will be wagered.

Team: Jon, Brownie, Archie, Alberto, Norelli, Andres, Joakim, Greg, Andy M, Devin, Carlos, Mike C, Tom, Brian


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WHITES COME UNSTUCK AGAIN

Apr 24 2013 Published by under Club, Whites

The sun shined on all of New York last Sunday…. but for the cloud that hung over the CPR White’s Firsts. The Whites created several quality chances, including two opportunities off of crosses taken by Eli and George, and another from Eli’s right foot midway through the half that sailed just over the bar. But the Rovers hung in, and, in the final moments of the half, converting on a corner kick by deflecting the ball into the upper corner of the goal. After keeping the majority of possession and handling nearly all of Barnstonworth’s offensive pressure, the Whites dejectedly found themselves down 0-1 at the break.

 The Rovers were up for the task of killing the game in the second half. With consistent stoppages of play due to injuries, along with careless giveaways and limited creativity from the Whites, the game lacked rhythm. The Whites pushed more numbers into the attack, stretching the game and allowing Barnstonworth to find occasional opportunities to counter. One shot, which had curved past Ben’s outstretched arms, was fortunately blocked off the line by a defender, keeping the game within reach at 0-1. Later in the half, a cheap giveaway in the White’s attacking third, followed by a series of sloppy defensive efforts, turned into a breakaway that extended the Rovers’ lead to 0-2 with 10 minutes remaining on the clock. But CPR’s effort to level the score did create several reasonable chances, including Kwesi’s streaking run behind the defense that was sure to produce a goal, only to have him hacked down by Barnstonworth’s keeper steps outside of the 18-yard box (earning the keeper only a yellow card). Kwesi also created a good chance that ricocheted off the upright, and George hit a shot that was sure to reach the net, only to be saved by the Rover’s agile keeper.
Team: Ben, Mike Ni, Mike Ne, Robbo, Josh, Conor, Karl, Charlie, Eli, George, Kwesi Subs: Ben, Mike C, Carlos

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ANOTHER LAST MINUTE HEART BREAKER

Apr 24 2013 Published by under Club, Whites

After a run of disappointing results for the boys from Central Park, the Rangers Reserves came to the pitch on Sunday with their eyes set on putting these lackluster results demons behind them.  And if you were there to witness the pre-game preparations, it was clear there was a sense of urgency to put together a full 90-minute, team-first performance, and take with them maximum points.  The message was clear, without heading back to Manhattan three points in hand, their dreams of post-season play would have likely slipped away.  And it was their cross-town rivals, The Bartonsworth Rovers, who stood in their way

Under sunny skies with semi-blustery wind conditions, the Rangers began the first half with an emphasis on positive play.  Having the wind at their backs, it was important that they attack aggressively and press to take a lead into the half.  And it seemed like they were playing with that in mind, moving forward and requiring the opponent’s keeper to keep buys in the area, several times early on.  However, after 15 minutes, the squad fell in to old habits and took their collective foot off of the pedal.  The remainder of the first half was played mostly in the middle of the park, with not much challenging either back line.  The whistle blew, and both sides headed into the tunnel without having found their mark
Knowing that the second 45 was all that was in between themselves and a long summer, the Reserves took to the field in the second half with a renewed enthusiasm, albeit somewhat nervy.  Against the now increased breeze, their inability to find a breakthrough in the first half made their daunting task even more difficult.  Cue Norelli
As it so often does, the team got it’s first breakthrough midway into the 2nd half through the right boot of Christopher Norelli. A Rover turnover in midfield led to a CPR counter, which started with an excellent through ball played through to the #9.  Fighting off the defender’s challenge, Chris fired a shot on target, only to see it pushed away by the keeper, off the horizontal, and perfectly landing right in CPR newcomer Alberto Sanchis’ lap.  Reacting quickly but coolly, Alberto met the gift with a volley that ended up in the back of the net.  CPR took the lead with just over 20’ to play!
Immediately, the tone changed.  Instructions from the Manager on the sidelines were for the group to shore up, defensively.  The boys took the message in stride and dug in their heels.  Willing to put in the effort, the Reserves worked off of the ball, getting in to position, and seemed desperate to hold on.  All seemed in place to finish with the advantage, until at the death, an errant pass found the opponent’s left midfielder.  Moments later, a lofted ball entered the box, bounced around and fell to the foot of a Rover, alone at the corner of the 6.  With only injury time left, the striker blasted a finish past Jon and leveled the tie.  Cue demons.
The game went on for a few more touches, but the final score would remain as it was.  The CPR Reserves, after a mostly-spirited performance, lost their focus near the finish and squandered yet another two points.  Story of the season.


Team: Jon, Ben H, Mike C, Brownie, Andy M, Devin, Greg, Alberto, Norelli, Tom, Archie, Brian,Lasse, Mike D

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WHITE RESERVES FAIL TO GET NEEDED WIN

Apr 23 2013 Published by under Club, Whites

On bright but blustery day on Randalls Island, CPR came into the game knowing that a win would put them right back in the playoff picture but Celtic looking to take at least a point away from home.
From the outset neither team could retain possession with CPR finding little passing rhythm and the away side looking for direct penetration against the wind. 
Few chances were made until the final stages, after good work from Tom led to Devin being clean through on the goalkeeper. The keeper had his angles right forcing Devin into one of the numerous available options, the chip floating harmlessly off-target. 
CPR had to regroup at half time, knowing with the wind being against us meant better passing all round was to be needed.
Possession was indeed slicker with more purpose in the second half. Ben was looking dangerous on the right with trademark step overs tying up the leftback. Ben's ability to get wide and take on the defence led to the opener, with his inviting cross evading everyone.
Diligent follow up play allowed Andy Ma to collect on the left, an instead clipped the ball back into the box, finding its way back to Ben's feet. His finish was pushed on to the post by the keeper but this finally was tucked away by Alberto for his first for the club.
Celtic pushed on in response to going behind and exerted pressure with some diagonal balls into the box. 
Failure clear one of these crosses led to ball trickling wide to the left, where the winger swung a devilish cross which caught the prevailing gusts deceiving Jon between the sticks. He could only push the ball in the net, continuing CPRs failure to maintain a lead in recent matches.
A positive win was vital and CPR battled to work more chances, but the rush to openings tempered the quality of the build up play. Introductions of Eli and Carlos with more players pushing forward couldn't the goal that was needed for the 3 points, leaving CPR a frustrated group. 
Too often this has been a familiar feeling after 90 minutes.

Squad: Jon, Joakim, Brownie, Paul Ra, Baha’a, Devin, Greg, Pat W, Archie, Mike D, Andy M. Subs: Ben H, Alberto, Tom, Eli, Carlos

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WHITES SLIP

Apr 23 2013 Published by under Club, Whites

The top of the tables Whites squared off against a surging Celtic side on a blustery afternoon at Randalls Island. With the wind blowing harder than Westy in a bathhouse, the Whites struggled to find their usual Barcelona-esque rhythm and played some of the ugliest football of the campaign. Celtic were rewarded for persistent and scrappy play in the 30th minute, when an off-target strike from a difficult angle was deflected and improbably redirected into the upper ninety of the far post. The Whites rebounded and created a number of chances in the second half, yet were unable to convert and failed to pick up a point for only the second time this season. With crucial fixtures against divisional rivals ahead, the Whites must improve their play and take their chances better if they are to hold onto a top two position in a competitive division and make the playoffs.

Squad: Ben, Josh, Mike Ni, Mike Ne, Nick, Andy W, Conor, George, Charlie, Karl, Kwesi. Subs: Eli, Carlos, Archie

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