Whites Shutout Pancyprians

Oct 14 2012 Published by Toph under Whites

The Whites managed to shutout the Pancyprians on a their way to a decisive 3-0 victory Saturday night on Randall’s Island. The conditions were a bit chilly with a gusting wind that largely impacted the play throughout. CPR showed good poise early as they managed to keep possession with their back-line and midfield. The Pancyprians tried to stretch the CPR backs by playing high and very wide wingers along with two strikers, but some tireless tracking back from Xavi and Riso on the outsides kept the dangerous Pancyprian wingers at bay. The visitors best chance of the half came on a free kick from just a few strides outside the penalty area. Ben showed great explosiveness to get across and parry the ball over the frame. The Whites were looking dangerous on the counter attack as they went at the unbelievably flat Pancyprian back four with speed and precision. Kwesi was in behind the line, but the keeper luckily managed to strip him with the brisk wind really just nudging the ball out of Kwesi’s controlled reach. Overall, a very even first half with neither team finding an opening large enough to go ahead.

The second half began with more of the same midfield battle. CPR was first on the score sheet 10 minutes in as a whipped in free kick from Mike Ni gave the Pancyprian keeper fits. The ball just continued bending away from him and a half punch saw the ball pop out to the top of the box where Westy, waiting anxiously, met it with a ferocious half volley that snuck cleanly through a crowded area to find the back of the net. From here CPR displayed impressive discipline and defensive shape as the Pancyprians began to throw more and more numbers forward. The Whites midfield were sprightly and energetic in disrupting the Pancyprian possession, while the backs consistently made it nearly impossible for Pancyprian forwards to receive the ball. Despite stout CPR defending the visitors did create a handful of dangerous chances, which Ben dealt with alertly. Their best chance coming on a knocked down set piece resulting in a snap shot and a brilliant reaction save from Ben to knock the ball over the cross bar. After absorbing some pressure the Whites found their rhythm again and began to control possession. The Pancyprian frustrations at being continuously turned away were evident in some late fouls, small scuffles, and crying to the referee. At this point CPR began to find more space going forward. None more so than Conor who, after a nifty move around a defender, tiptoed down the touch line eventually finding Kwesi for a composed finish and the 2-0 lead. CPR finally sealed the Pancyprians inevitable fate when some extra effort from Browny put Xavi through for the third and final goal, his first with the club. A great overall team effort with a proud and historic shutout for CPR Whites. Final score 3-0.

Squad: Ben (GK), Mike Ne (D), Mike Ni (D), Nick (D), Matt (D), Riso (M), Westy (M), Conor (M), George (M), Xavi (M), Kwesi (F)

Subs: Eli (M), Browny (F)