Matt Costelloe popped up in the box to score his second goal in as many games to earn CPR a vital victory over second placed Pancyprians. The goal sent the CPR players, bench and management into rapturous celebration. The win extends CPR’s lead over the Pancyprians at the top of the table to five points.

The victory was made all the sweeter by the fact that CPR played most of the game with 10 men, after Bo Nyberg harshly received his marching orders on the 35th minute, following two yellow cards in quick succession.

In extremely difficult conditions with 35mph winds and driving rain, it was the Pancyprian’s who started brighter. They dominated possession in the opening stages but never threatened Dan Mejias’ goal. CPR had a new look 4-4-2 formation, which wing backs Joe Allen and Vicente Valdes took full advantage of making overlapping runs whenever the opportunity arose.

As the first half progressed CPR took more of a hold, and although Pancyprians had most of the possession, it was CPR who  looked the more dangerous. Vitaliy Firsov had the first shot on goal from 30 yards, the ‘keeper spilled it and Justin Rifis did his best to get the rebound but arrived a tad late. Just before half-time Paul Clarke pulled up with a hamstring injury, and Dragon Blagojevic stepped in to partner Bruce in the heart of the defense.

After Nyberg’s dismissal, CPR manager Morse moved Palacios deeper into the middle and a combination of Elior Talmasov and substitute Peter Chodacki had to work hard up front on their own. As you’d expect, in the second half the Pancyprians had the majority of the ball but the CPR players worked tirelessly to get behind the ball when not in possession. The meanest defense in the league – one goal conceded in seven games – were in the right place at the right time to step in and win the ball.

Incredibly, being a man down, CPR began to take the game to the Pancyprians and a goal for the Red Army looked on the cards. On several occasions Peter Chodacki made good runs down the channels and a tried to find Palacios and Costelloe with crosses. A perfectly weighted through ball from Palacios found Costelloe who tried to place the ball in the top corner but the keeper got a hand to it. Then a Lee Weinstein ball put Sekou Cox away but he was cynically pulled back by what seemed to be the last defender. The defender was extremely lucky to just receive a yellow card.

The goal came with 10 minutes remaining. Chodacki got the ball near the sideline and squared up the defender before drilling a ball across the goal between defender and ‘keeper, to meet Costelloe’s outstretched foot. There was one heart in mouth moment when a Pancyprian striker flicked a cross just over the bar, but apart from that the CPR defense wasn’t too troubled.

It felt like an important victory and the type of game in previous seasons that CPR were not winning.

MotM: Matt Costelloe

Squad:

Two goals from Sekou Cox and one from Paul Clarke sealed a hard fought win in the State Cup for the Old Boys on a windy Randall’s Island. The win extends the Boys perfect start to the season, with five wins and no goals conceded.

Kicker’s started brighter and had a series of corners, but it was CPR’s first corner on 20 minutes were the first goal came from. Paul Clark raised highest at the back post to guide in Seb Palacios’ well delivered cross past the ‘keeper, a defender on the line got a head to it but couldn’t stop the ball from hitting the net.

Kicker’s played an extra player in the middle and continued to press very high. Their only shot on goal from Kickers was a free kick from 40 yards which Mejias in goal saved comfortably. The game took on a pattern of CPR getting men behind the ball then exploding on the break. It was one of these breaks that CPR extended their lead.

The defense got the ball out fast to Sekou who ran from his own half past two Kickers’ attackers deep into the Kicker’s half. As a defender squared him up, Sekou played a clever one-two with Palacios and reached the ball just before the defender. From a tight angle, he kept his cool to slot the ball past the keeper.

CPR continued to carve open the better chances. Before the break Bruce whipped in a beautiful cross to the far side of the box and Joe Allen met it with a flying volley, but unfortunately for CPR it was right down the throat of the ‘keeper.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first. Kickers had a lot of the ball but they didn’t create any actual chances as the CPR rearguard defended steadfastly. When they reverted to long balls Edo Pasinato and Clarke in defense were rock solid not losing one header or challenge.

The game was put beyond doubt on the 66th minute. It was the combination of Palacios and Sekou again. Palacios played a delicate chip to Sekou who took it in his stride. There was still a lot for Sekou to do, but he powered past the last defender and composed himself before passing the ball into the bottom left of the goal. That goal took his tally up to 6 for the season, the CPR top scorer.

As Kickers got more stretched CPR had more chances. Peter Chodacki made a clever run and was found with a great ball, but his shot was always rising and went well over the ball. Another great passing move by CPR nearly lead to a fourth goal but Vicente’s shot from 15 yards just flashed wide of the post as he was put under pressure from a defender.

In the last five minutes the Kicker’s had their clearest chance when a shot from 25 yards hit the post. Apart from that CPR weren’t troubled too much, running out comfortable winners. That’s five wins from five, 22 goals scored and, incredibly, zero conceded. It’s back to league action next week for a pride of CPR match-up vs the Oranges.

Goals: Cox (2), Clarke (1)

CPR fell to a very well organized Pancypriot side on Sunday evening. CPR started nervy, a wayward pass was latched onto by the Cypriots but Dan Roth at center half did well to get back and cover.

CPR then found their footing in the game and had more extended period of possession. Sebastian and Matt had some joy down the left. At one point CPR outnumbered the Cypriots in attack but Duffy’s through ball to Andy was cut out when maybe Bruce was the better option, as he was free inside the box. At the other end Pablo made a fantastic save down low to his left to stop a certain goal and both sides went in at the break scoreless.

CPR started the second half brightly. Duffy had a chance to play in Andy again but this time over hit his pass. The Cypriots then took a stronghold on the game and made good use of space. CPR couldn’t get their foot on the ball and the Cypriot’s pressure soon paid off when they scored a goal with a rasping shot from outside the box.

The game got stretched and the Cypriots started to slow things down. A corner for CPR resulted in a scramble in the box that ended with Bruce’s shot being saved by their keeper. With CPR pushing for an equalizer the Cypriots played a quick ball down the right and crossed for their striker to finish to make it 2-0.

CPR continued to fight and push for a goal but it remained out of their grasp. It was a frustrating night for the men in red but the defeat wasn’t due to a lack of effort.

Yellows: Seb and Duffy.

CPR:

Pablo, Clarke, Roth, Bruce, Pedro, Bo, Duffy, Sebastian, Morsey, Engler, Andy, Brandon, Matt, Kev, Brekkie, Ernie.

(Sorry Clarky, I honestly couldn’t help myself. And it does get worse…)

The opposition

In this strangest of locations the abstract was further enhanced by the fact that Dolph Lundgren had turned up to referee! A daunting figure already, it quickly transpired that Dolph had picked up quite the obscene dialect since his career transition to refereeing, and was not shy in dishing out the profanities. Old Boys started with a strong pace and both teams were testing out each others defense with a series of long balls aimed at the back line. Levy had a shot come back off the bar, whilst Sawyer should have opened the scoring with a header at far back post. The scoring was finally opened with a deft header at the back post from Brindley, after a perfectly weighted cross from Levy. Against the run of play, Dolph then awarded a dubious penalty for a handball against Hollins. With the penalty tucked away at 1-1, Holladonna then struck again with another deft caress of the ball. It had been a while mate, don’t worry. The Old Boys went in at the break 2-1 down after the home team scored before the break in only their second attempt at goal. A rousing halftime team talk and the second half was one-way traffic. Engler finally arrived after being delayed at Craster’s Keep, and added a new dynamic to the right wing with pressure building on the home team.

Finely poised at 3-2, Edmunds was doing his best to irritate the opposition from the sidelines, and with players picking up injuries, a fascinating debate was struck up between Mark and Paul as to who was ‘more unfit’ and therefore less likely to be called upon if needed. To digress – a half-fit Paul Clark may still be the fittest player on the team, whilst a half-fit Edmunds may be considered ‘in his prime’ by some.
Dolph was having a mixed game at this stage. The opposing manager, who claiming he’d missed three blatant fouls, came marching onto the field to stress… “Tree times Ref, Tree times!!!”. Although in Dolphs defense, the accusations of foul play were coming as regular as rain on the emerald isle.

(I did warn you all…)

With ten minutes to go, Seb had a shot blocked before turning on the style and curling one in under the side of the crossbar from 20 yards. The Old Boys were now firmly in control. The Landsowne Bhoys keeper made a number of good saves and the Old Boys defense had perhaps its best game of the season to see out the game. Pablo commanding his line well, with One Eye, Brindley, Andy, and Morse not only providing half the goals,  but keeping the tide at bay.  The tide couldn’t be kept at bay in Brindley’s car on the way home unfortunately, as all passengers were provided the full narrative of the opening goal in imaginatively recounted detail. I’m sure this recollection will still be available upon request at the Kentucky Derby Party this weekend. I myself am now word perfect.

The evening ended with a few pints a Mad River and a ‘top of the table’ toast.

Viva Old Boys.

David Sawyer

9/20/15

The OldBoys squared off against a solid Manhattan Celtic Bhoys team on Sunday and came away with a 3-1 victory. The OldBoys enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the game but found it challenging to breakdown a very solid Celtic defense. Brandon scored the first of his three goals in the 30th minute, giving the OldBoys a 1-0 halftime lead. The halftime talk focused on continuing with what worked in the first half and coming out strong in an effort to put the game away. 10 minutes into the second half Brandon found the back of the net for the second time off a cross from Ernest. The second goal deflated the opposition and the OldBoys had total control of the game. In the 70th minute Sawyer set up Brandon in front of the net and he secured a hat trick. The defense limited Celtic to just one shot on goal but it was a well struck shot from the 18 that gave Celtic a glimmer of hope in the 75th minute. The OldBoys finished the game strong and took all 3 points.

Overall, it was a great team performance and good preparation as we face some high quality teams in the next two games.

Goals: Brandon (3)
Assists: Ernest (2), Sawyer
Man of the Match: Pfft, if you score a hat trick you’re certainly MOTM. Brandon.

9/13/15

The CPR OldBoys opened the season with a win against short-handed BW Gotschee. The 5-1 result was never in doubt as Gotschee didn’t field a full team.

Goals from Jens (2), Sawyer, Brandon and Creighton.

Assists from Engler (2), Diego and Rob.

Man of the Match: None, just solid performances all around as we cruised to an easy W.

The OldBoys squared off against the Shamrocks in the O-30’s Division 1 Semi-Final on Sunday. It was an evenly-matched, low-scoring, grind-it-out type of game with two of the league’s best defenses yielding limited scoring chances. The Shamrocks came out strong in the first half and true to form banged aggressive direct passes up to their strikers. The OldBoys absorbed the pressure and while the Shamrock fired plenty of shots the OldBoys only allowed one shot on target the entire half. But, Shamrocks #20 made the most of that lone opportunity, as he slipped into the box from a very wide angle he blasted a shot over Becker’s head and into the underside of the cross-bar for the game’s opening goal.

The OldBoys struggled to create much in the first half. The best opportunity emerged as Jens beat his man on the right wing but as he entered the box with an eye towards Matt Hureau’s free central run, the Shamrock defender took Matt down, leaving no one on the end of the pass and a referee not interested in blowing his whistle. Kinda frustrating. The Shamrocks lead 1-0 at the half.

At halftime the OldBoys made some major adjustments. We decided to put out our most attacking line-up and push hard for a goal early in the half. That left us a bit exposed at the back and Shamrock nearly took advantage as their only other shot on target the entire game hit the post. Relieved, the OldBoys pushed forward. In the 55th minute, Ernest skinned his man on the left wing, got to the end line inside the box, passed to Steve Morse for a shot from the 18 that hit Brandon, Brandon passed to an unmarked Ernest for a tap in goal. 1-1. Our halftime changes were making a huge impact.

We stuck with our attacking line-up and as we continued to pressure Shamrock the ref cut Shamrock a break on what should have been a game-changing decision leaving them with 10 players. As Matt was beating his man on the right wing he cut back into the wide-open middle and was headed for goal from about 30 yards out. Knowing he was totally beat, Shamrock #17 who was already on a yellow threw out a desperate foot and caught Matt’s heel. The referee agreed and said it was definitely a yellow he but didn’t want to send the player off. It was such a perplexing conversation with the ref because he 100% agreed it was undoubtedly a yellow card offense but in the same breath just shrugged and said of course he’s not going to call it because he didn’t want to send the player off. WTF? Shamrocks knew they got lucky and immediately subbed off #17 who never returned. Highly frustrating.

With 30 minutes still to play the OldBoys felt they had another goal in them and I’m sure the Shamrocks thought the same. Shots on target were few but the referee’s gifts to Shamrock were plenty. As the OldBoys threatened, Earnest was dragged down in the box to prevent him from receiving a pass. Again the ref was not interested. Then the dagger in the heart. In the 73rd minute, Paul and #20 were going after a ball in our box when #20 hooked Paul’s arm and dragged him to the ground hoping the ref would call a penalty….to everyone’s surprise, the ref let play proceed, still on his knees screaming for a call #20 just threw himself on the ball to force the ref to make a call, the ref still didn’t blow his whistle, then #20 picked the ball up, brought it to his chest and began to stand up, still no whistle from the ref so #20 dropped the ball to his feet and Paul kicked him as he tried to shoot. The ref awarded a penalty and a straight red to Paul. Paul shouldn’t have kicked him but it was absurd that the ref never blew the whistle against #20 for taking down Paul and handling the ball (#20 knew he cheated and even apologized for it after the game). The Shamrocks converted and held on to win 2-1. Ultimate frustration.

It was a tough loss to swallow. We clearly weren’t good enough to overcome two game-changing calls against us. The teams played each other dead even so who knows what the outcome would have been if not for the ridiculous refereeing. Too bad it wasn’t determined by the players.

Back at the pub we got over it and raised a glass to an excellent season. This was our first season in the Over-30’s 1st Division, we made it to the playoffs, we proved we’re capable of competing with the best and the lessons learned from this season will only make us a tougher team next year.

By Mark Becker

It’s been a long 3 months in football since the Old Boys last donned the famous Red shirt and descended upon Randall’s Island. Harry Redknapp retired due to a dodgy team knee, Pardew swept from Newcastle to Crystal Palace with the discretionary retreat of Ochoa to the Greys, West Ham content in reaching the magic 42pts have begun celebrating this feat a whole 3 months ahead of schedule, it appears Sepp Blatter will finally be ousted from the FIFA presidency, whilst New York City FC began life at Yankee Stadium with a comfortable 2-0 over New England Revolution.

Love it or hate it, football is a game enjoyed as much for its surprise extremities as its relied upon dependencies. And let’s face it, you can always rely on each and every member of the O-30 NY Greek American team to be a stand-up James Blunt. For those of you unfamiliar with the native tongue of Messrs. Stower and Edmunds, please see here: Cockney Translate

The Old Boys dusted off the winter break with an early-bird 8am KO. Having lost the away fixture 1-0 back in September, there were wrongs to be set right. The side had a new look about it having lost Sean Street and Dan Ault to warmer climates, whilst Edmunds and Penrod were AWOL and the Goalhammer was enjoying a ‘happy ending’ to the winter break on the beach in Koh Samui. The team did welcome back Steve Morse from his Legends sabbatical, and new Striker Ernest (or ‘Hemingway’ to his new team mates) was due to make his league debut for the Reds.

CPR had the better of the early engagements. Levy had a shot wide, and then smashed one onto the underside of the crossbar, whilst Hollins had a good long range effort sneak the wrong side of the post. The opposition showed little threat in the early exchanges. The only moment of note, Becker racing from his line to claim a long ball shouting “Keepers!’, leading the defense and attack in his path only for the ball to emerge out of the sun about 15ft away from where the keeper and play had followed. The man For Whom the Bell Tolls entered the fray with 10 minutes to go and proved a useful and physical addition to the CPR front line.

Following halftime, a different opposition emerged. Whether news of the Greek government stopping the production of taramasalata and humus in order to avoid a double dip recession had just broke (oh, come on!), a Yoghurt factory collapsed in the nether regions of long island, or a shipment of party-plates were found to be plastic dupes… Then, not since Stowers return from the CPR Miami soccer tour has any Greek ever looked so angry. Yet alone, 11 of them! Or soon to be 10…

Tackles flew in, punches were thrown, and eleven men flew around the field chasing the ball retained by the CPR midfield like the blind bull of Knossos. Shortly after the Athenian goat herders were reduced to 10, Hem found superior pace against the opposition defense and upon the second time of racing past the stagnant fullback, the ball fell kindly to Matt to tuck the ball away into the net. Game over.

As the poet once said: one angry Cretian doth not a euro-politician make. But in light of the country’s current problems, lets raise a pint of Percy’s finest to Angela Merkel.

–By Dave Sawyer

The problem currently faced by the HBO network is that the next season of their flagship show ‘A Game of Thrones’ needs to be filmed before the next book is finished by author, George.R.R.Martin. A similar problem has arisen with the recent match analysis publishing’s from managerial author, Mark.R.R.Becker. Gone are the days of shirting away from work on Friday afternoon to casually flick through a third hand interpretation of Sundays opposition. Division One, in its Emperors Clothing of steeped skill and ability, has demanded a weekly biblical epic from our ethereal leader. The impact is such that even Edmunds, a man with the time of the world at his fingertips, had only made it to Chapter 3 by the time the referee called the captains to the center circle.

Now… Before proceeding to the game of the season (that which none of us must ever speak of again!) a shout out must go to Mrs Hollins. With Mr Hollins bed bound by an illness that WAS DEFINITELY NOT A HANGOVER, our favorite fan made an hour long round trip to drop off the kits with not so much as $3 Heineken to thank her for her efforts! A lady of steeled commitment, effort, and ability. She has our eternal gratitude. But then they do say that opposites attract.

The game was very much a battle of the midfield for the first 20 minutes. CPR lined up with Ochoa, Street, Creighton, and Jens in midfield, facing a strong Manhattan Kickers with a few bone crunching midfielders of their own. CPR certainly had the better of things when a freak back pass fell to the Kickers big center forward and he smashed a low left foot volley under Becker from close range.

CPR continued to have the better possession and it wasn’t long before a Levy free kick was palmed around the post by the outstretched keeper, and Sawyer had a left foot volley come back off the crossbar. CPR finished the half 1-0 down, but definitely with the momentum.

The Mark.R.R.Becker half time team talk is usually presented with more caution than a white mouse in a tampon factory. But not today. We all know that Becker had turned down the opportunity of throwing away his monthly hard earned at a poker table this weekend to step into Penrods ever-elusive shoes, and gambling was clearly still forefront in his mind. The team therefore lined up to attack, and press the advantage they had ended the half with.

CPR laid siege like Stannis Baratheon on Kings Landing and after only 5 minutes of play a towering header from Andy Jones whistled into the back of the net. A carbon copy of the Drogba equalizer in the Champions League final it was not… but the impetus was now firmly with the Rangers.

10 minutes later CPR were 2-1 up as Sawyer picked up a ball from Engler, shrugged off the opposing center-half, and shot low across the stagnant keeper into the far corner. Both he and the goalhammer then found their way into the referee’s notebook for tackles best not elaborated upon.

The goalhammer playing in an advanced role then smashed a ball against the post, before Stower was put through one-on-one with the goalkeeper only to see his shot sail well, well, well…. well, wide of the post. Could he have squared it to Jens? Apparently “the bobble’ in the turf made the outcome the only viable option. A more believable story would have been the last minute distraction by the hot Asian girl sat alone in the stands (come on, we all saw her!) but the bobble was claimed, and it was the bobble he stuck with. (thanks for the lift by the way Stower).  And then Sean smashed in a third goal.

Sean Street – goal scorer.

The CPR backline held firm to ward off the opposition threat and big credit must go to One-Eye, Paul, Dudley, Luciano, and Andy ‘Red Anger’ Jones for the best defensive performance of the season so far. Becker must also take credit for a second commanding game between the sticks.

At the referees whistle the euphoria was there for all to see. Its been a while since winning a game felt so good. A mood shared by seeing all 14 players return to Percy’s Tavern for a plate of wings and a cold Colaweizen. Man that shit is good.

-by David Sawyer