CPR 1sts, full of positivity from the previous weekend’s victory over Pancyprians, trekked up to Yonkers this past weekend for their game against Lansdowne with high hopes. Lansdowne entered the game with a tidy sequence of wins behind them, needing a win to ensure their place in the knock-out stages; whilst CPR 1sts required three points to climb into second place in the league. With everything to play for, fans waited impatiently, and bravely given the miserable weather conditions, for a thrilling affair.

The game began with a high-tempo and both teams had shots on goal in the early exchanges. The difficult playing conditions were evidently frustrating both sides; however, Lansdowne settled quicker and then began imposing their game on CPR 1sts. The game stayed tied until approx. 30 mins in when – with the run of play – Lansdowne broke the deadlock, and another goal put them 2-0 up before the half-time whistle blew.

CPR 1sts re-grouped during the half-time break and returned to pitch reinvigorated, but unfortunately any hopes were then dashed quickly as Lansdowne grabbed a third. Later came a fourth and fifth goal for Lansdowne, allowing them to close-out another win and secure the conference title in style. They look to be strong contenders in the play-offs and also have their fingers in the National Championship pie.

For the deflated CPR 1sts, all is not lost. Whilst this proved to be a setback, yes, CPR 1sts challenge for the second play-off spot remains strong with a few games still to play.

…and with that, it is onto the next game we go!

Squad: Ben, Conor, Riso, Mike N, Pat, Justin, Shane, Nick, George, Edgar, Dan Z (Subs: Haakon, Alex, Carlos)

The Central Park Rangers Whites Reserves opened up the second half of the season with another clean sheet, and left Brooklyn Bridge Park, Field 5, with a deserved, however somewhat unconvincing, 3 points.

It was a hard fought match Sunday at Brooklyn Bridge Park between The Whites and Pancyprians.  The Pancyprians came out strong in the first 15 minutes with some spirited runs down the flanks and quick counter attacks.  They were putting on the pressure, but due to some stout defending from CPR, the Pancyprians were unable to create any dangerous chances.  As CPR settled in they began to show that they were the better team on this day.  Kwesi, Riso, and George seemed to find acres of space going forward and looked dangerous.  The Whites created numerous chances, skillfully getting behind the Pancyprian backline.  Despite this pressure, some bad luck (Riso in on goal and George hits the post) and some excellent goal keeping kept CPR out of the back of the net, and they went into halftime at 0-0.

The Whites continued to pressurize in the second half creating chance after chance.  Again the Pancyprians goalkeeper managed to show his quality turning away many CPR attempts.  The Whites remained patient as the half wore on, and finally found a break through when Kwesi steam-rolled past the back line and was dragged down from behind for an obvious penalty.  Conor stepped up and smashed the spot kick into the lower left corner.  Virtually unstoppable.  The Pancyprians threw players and long balls forward for the last few minutes and looked dangerous at times.  The CPR back line held firm and dealt with everything that came their way.  Ben was solid as ever, claiming anything in his vicinity.  CPR had broken the Pancyprians spirits as the final seconds ticked away and The Whites kept the ball in the corner.  As the final whistle blew the screams of frustration from the Pancyprian players and supporters could be heard throughout the five boroughs.  Final score 1-0, and CPR leapfrogged the Pancyprians moving into ^3rd in the league standings.

Squad:  Ben (GK), Justin (D), Nick (D), Mike N (D), Matt (D), Josh (M), Conor (M), Riso (M), George (M), Dan Z (M), Kwesi (F)

Subs:  Shane, Alex, Evan, Ben H