CPR Firsts came from behind on Sunday to earn their first win of the season thanks to second half goals from Andy and Connor.  Leading in to this fourth game of the season The Whites had yet to open their scoring account, and so when midway through the second half they went behind the faint of heart could have been forgiven for fearing the worst.  Yet a cracker of a volley from the edge of the penalty area from Andy and then a superbly taken penalty with ten minutes remaining from Connor was enough as the team held on for the victory. 

On a beautiful early Fall day in Boonton NJ, CPR had some initial trouble getting to grips with the slower nature of the grass pitch and their passing rhythm was noticeably less slick than usual.  This still didn't stop Caesar from producing some good skill inside the box and he was unfortunate to see his shot strike the upright.  The game still hadn't really settled when striker Yannick bravely challenged for an ariel ball and was clattered by the Croatia keeper.  Luckily Yannick was able to get up and walk from the field, but he was badly shaken and had to be substituted.  The remainder of the half continued in somewhat even fashion with the home side going close on a couple of occasions, though reserve keeper Ben, stepping up for the other Ben, was always there to thwart the opposition.

And so with The Firsts enjoying more of the play in the second half they undeservedly went a goal behind midway through the half, and a lesser team may have been resigned to accepting defeat.  CPR showed some good backbone however, kept plugging away and where rewarded for their pressure when Andy's swerving attempt from distance deceived the Croatia keeper, pulling the away team level.  Not long after Kevin found himself on the end of a good team move and one-on-one with the keeper, only to be upended as he tried to go by him, leaving Connor to classily find the top corner from the resulting penalty.  The inevitable closing onslaught indeed came from NY Croatia, yet aside from one or two scary moments CPR were able to withstand each wave of pressure and ensure their first of what is hopefully many more victories to come.

A special thanks to several of the reserve team who stayed to cheer us on to our first win!

Team: Ben, Josh, Mark, Connor, Pat, Dave, Eli, Andy, Kevin, Ceasar, Yannick - Subs: Danny, Javier