CPR Whites came out against Polonia looking to right the ship after three straight losses and having gone scoreless since the start of the season.  With an emphasis on finding width and quickness in attack, CPR were almost completely undone by several first-half losses of concentration.   In only the 2nd minute, CPR gave up a foul 25 yards out on the right hand side.  With the Poles height advantage, one might have expected a high cross into the back post.  However, a low ball into the 6 yard box caught everyone on CPR by surprise and after a bounce and a header back across goal, the Poles were left with an easy finish.

CPR responded well and looked to get the back in the game when new boy, Jordan Rieger, put through fellow newcomer, Jukka Lehto, for a half chance on a volley.  CPR started to find space and confidence as they increased their possession but Polonia was quick to respond in their typical counter-attacking style on every sloppy give away by CPR.  Against the run of play, a poor ball out of the back caught the CPR defense wrong-footed and Polonia quickly worked the ball down the right channel before finding a cross into the box which was finished well by the men in red.  Even though CPR continued to pressure and was constantly improving as they poked and prodded the Polonia back line, the half ended with CPR down 2-0.  

However, there were many positives for the Whites to build on if one looked closely and the half time talk reinforced that if they executed the small things, the goals would come.   The introduction of fresh legs in the form of Chris Brunet and Kwesi Mills-Odoi seemed to provide an additional spark as CPR kicked off the 2nd half.  

With increased ball possession and excellent running up front from Kwesi and Caesar, CPR ratcheted up the pressure on Polonia.  CPR was finally looking to pull the trigger at the slightest sight of goal and although several opportunities went wide or high, the momentum was with CPR and their intention to claw their way back was on full display.  First, Conor pulled the trigger from just outside the top of the box.  The ball took a wicked deflection and Caesar, who was already reacting to follow up on the initial shot, found the ball bouncing nicely over his shoulder to sit up for him to poke it past the on-rushing keeper.  It was a clever goal which took great concentration and technique.

From that point on, CPR started to put their foot on the pedal.  The back line snuffed out everything that Polonia threw their way and the midfield started to find a great rhythm between short quick passing and direct attacking play.  CPR was doubly unlucky, both times off of bursting runs from Kwesi, that they weren't awarded penalties when Mills-Odoi was manhandled when he was clean through.  Polonia's started to express their growing frustration with late tackles into the ankles and backs of the CPR players as well as diving at the slightest touch.  And out of the hustle and bustle, CPR conjured a 2nd when Josh Kwilecki found space down the left and lo-and-behold, CPR scored off a headed cross when Caesar (again) was the first to react and beat the Polonia keeper at the near post.

Things then went from bad to worse for the Poles when a frustrated Polonia striker lashed out and caught Jordan with a clean elbow to the jaw, leaving him bloodied but not beaten.  The result was a straight red for the Polonia front man and a man advantage for CPR.  With 12 minutes left, Carlos Filho made his 1^st team debut for the Whites and showed that not only is he good with his feet but can also cause some problems in the air when he out jumped two Polish defenders to put a half chance on goal.

Had the referee had any courage he would have allotted the proper amount of injury time (which by the coaches watch should have been 6 minutes) and CPR might have found the winner.  Unfortunately, the whistle blew just after the 45 minute mark and a frustrated CPR side had to settle for a draw.   With greater concentration from the start, the result might have been different.  But, CPR made great strides in this game if they can put together 90 minutes of focused and cohesive play, like they showed in the 2nd half, they should fancy themselves against anyone in the league.

Man of the Match (Caesar Lopez)