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

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.

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

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

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

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