Despite the beautiful weather, the reserves did not have good day on the pitch last Sunday on Travers Island. In the first few minutes, Jukka popped up with a low hard strike from just inside the 18 that the NYAC keeper took comfortably – one of the few threats CPR would pose throughout the game. As the game got going, the Rangers squad struggled to find fluidity as a fit NYAC team pressed the ball extremely high up the pitch. Instead of responding to the pressure with quicker passing the Rangers continued to dally on the ball, telegraph passes and loose possession all over the field. On the defensive end, while the Rangers back four held a fairly solid line and denied NYAC of some true goal scoring opportunities, in the midfield our opponents were allowed to look up much too easily and find players making forward runs. NYAC quickly grew in confidence and put together some swift attacks down the flanks, and it was only by some good fortune and stalwart defending in our own 1/3 (especially by goal keeper Jon) that Los Blancos were able to see out the first half without conceding any goals.

"Concentration" and winning the "duels" dominated the half time talk and in the second half the whites reserves came out looking to finally impose themselves on the game. NYAC began to tire a bit and the game looked more and more open. A through ball from Carlos put Jukka in one on one with the keeper, but the Finish striker was unable to convert the chance. However, in about the 75th minute a lapse in collective concentration allowed a NYAC winger to wiggle free on the by line and whip in a cross. The awaiting striker collected the cross and fired home the game's opening goal from close range. Determined not to let their heads drop, CPR pressed on. The Rangers continued to fight and serve balls in the danger area, resulting in the side's closest chance to leveling in about the 85th minute. A CPR cross came in from the left hand side and NYAC failed to clear. The Rangers had a couple strikes on the ball from inside the box, but were truly unfortunate to find the back of the net as it surely would have changed the game and improved the result. In the end NYAC were able to run out the remaining minutes, satisfied with the narrow lead and all 3 points.

Starting Line Up: Jon (K), Archie (RB), Nick Rudd (CB), Pat W (CB), Andy Ma (LB), Muzza (LW), Mark (CDM), Toph (CDM), Joakim (RW), Carlos (CAM),  Jukka (F)

Subs (All Used): Joe (F), Pat O (LW)