Men's White News

White's Reserves are CHAMPIONS!

toph — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:06:00 GMT

Congratulations to the reserves for successfully defending their league championship with an impressive 2-0 win over NYAC. The team played with the skill and spirit that have characterized this season’s displays.

The game started evenly as both teams battled in midfield but were not able to create much in the way of goal scoring opportunities. That all changed however, when Nick cleverly played a free-kick into the edge of the area for Matt to lay off to Danny Riso. Surrounded by NYAC players, Riso pushed the ball between two defenders and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner. It was a classy goal of power and precision. With the bit firmly between our teeth we were now controlling the game in midfield. A set piece by NYAC was the cause of one moment of some concern. Though the one real low point in the first half was losing Andres to a knee injury, which sadly now looks to be a confirmed ACL tear. Our thoughts are with him as he faces several months of rehab on the sidelines.

We continued to show the greater determination to win in the second half as our defense stopped every attack and Jon comfortably dealt with balls flighted into the box. Daniel did well stopping NYAC’s playmaker from getting the ball and our opponents often seemed to be out of ideas how to get behind us. We, on the other hand, were creating plenty of opportunities and should have doubled our lead earlier. As it was, with about 20 minutes to go a fine move found Riso open on the right and he squared to an unmarked Muzza, who coolly slotted the ball into an empty net before turning away and peeling off his shirt.... not in celebration, but to show everyone he likes to workout in the gym! NYAC now pushed more players forward, but the defense remained resolute, with Joakim especially putting his manhood on the line. We also kept creating chances and in the end could have won the game even more convincingly. As it was, two goals were more than enough and at the final whistle the celebrations that were to last well into the night began. Everyone played an important part in the game, and indeed the whole season. You should all be very proud of yourselves... I know that Joe and I are very proud of what you have achieved and deserve the success of championships in consecutive years. It's especially fitting that Joe's last game coaching the team was this victory. The hard work and team spirit you have all displayed shows what we can achieve. I know we will be pushing for a three-peat next season!

Team: Jon (K), Joakim (RB), Nick Rudd (CB), Mark Supplee (CB), Andy Ma (LB), Andres (LW), Toph (CDM), Archie (CDM), Shane (RW), Dan Riso (CAM), Muzza (F), Matt Geswell (RB), Jacopo (RW), Chris Norelli (F), Jose (CDM), Brettski (CDM), Daniel Corrado (CAM)

Goals: Dan Riso (1), Muzza (1)

Firsts' Season Ends with Play-off loss to Pancyprians

Biffo — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:22:00 GMT

The firsts played fantastically well this evening but suffered a tough loss at the hands of the NY Pancyprians, the game finishing 3-0. We played the best football of our season in the first half and dominated large periods of the game. We created several chances as George, Mike and Eli all came close, as well as our having a couple of decent shouts for a penalty. At the other end the defence was doing an excellent job, and in the times they were breached Ben was unbeatable. Sadly, we were unable to keep that level of performance and intensity up, and with the Pancyprians showing their championship ability they were able to step up a gear in the second half and grab the goals that settled the tie. Still, everyone should be proud of their performance - I know Joe and I are very proud of you - and it's now time to look forward to next season and making sure that we play as well as we did in the first half more consistently and from the start of the year. I'm sure you'll all join me in thanking Joe for all his efforts with the first team. We achieved what we did with no small effort on his part.

TEAM: Ben, Mike, Pat W, Conor, Pat O, Kyle, Andy, Danny, Eli, Dave, George - SUBS: Dan Riz, Shane, Mark, Toph

White's Reserves progress to Final, defeating Pancyprians 4 - 1

toph — Mon, 23 May 2011 11:40:00 GMT

Congratulations to the reserves who are in the division final for the second time in a row and have the chance to defend their title. We beat the Pancyprians in convincing fashion 4-1, with Andres, Chris N, and Daniel's brace seeing us comfortably through. We started the game strongly and about 20 minutes in our superiority paid dividends as Andy swung in a cross to the far post that was firmly met by Shane, whose header was well parried by the keeper, only for Andres to swoop in and head in from close range. The rest of the half was a scrappy affair as the Pancyprians applied pressure, causing a couple of scares at the back that Jon did well to extinguish. The second period saw us make four changes and continue pressing, though Pancyprians continued to also apply pressure. Daniel, with fresh legs, was lively from the start of the half and it was he who clinically prodded the ball into the net when a surging move found him free in the box. But our two goal cushion didn't last long as a rasping Pancyprian strike from the edge of the area just about beat Jon inside the post. We didn't let this minor set-back affect us and the indefatigable Chris Norelli found himself in a one-on-one situation on two occasions in quick succession. The first saw him taking a heavy touch at the crucial moment, but he more than made up for it when he coolly buried the second chance and once again gave us breathing space. And it was Daniel again who completed a fine second half performance to put the final nail in the opponent's coffin as we comfortably saw the game off. Special praise to our defense, who did an excellent job of keeping things tight at the back. We now face NYAC reserves at Icahn Stadium on June 5th at a time to be determined. We will have to even better today's performance to beat them and make sure we improve our ability to keep possession of the ball. But having said that, we should also savor today's fine victory and enter the final with great confidence

Starting Line Up: Jon (K), Andy Ma (LB), Mark (CB), Nick (CB), Joakim (RB), Andres (LW), Toph (CDM), Archie (CDM), Shane (RW), Dan Riso (AM), Steve Murray (F)

Subs: Daniel (F), Chris Norelli (F), Jose (CDM), Matt (RB)

Goals: Andres (1), Chris Norelli (1), Daniel (2)

Reserves End Cup Run with 2 - 1 Loss to NYAC

toph — Mon, 16 May 2011 13:35:00 GMT

The reserves played an excellent game in the state cup semi-final against NYAC today, but sadly succumbed to a 2-1 loss. Still, we played a great passing game and showed real spirit to battle through till the end. Everyone played their part and should be proud of the performance having made it to this advanced stage of the competition. For the record, the goal was scored by Matt Geswell (his first for the club) with an assist from Chris Norelli.

Reserves Defeat NY Croatia in 3 - 2 Thriller

toph — Mon, 16 May 2011 13:34:00 GMT

The reserves started slowly and conceded an early goal but it wasn't long before we got into gear and a great strike from Daniel was well saved onto the post, before Daniel buried his own rebound. We now had control of the game but didn't take several chances that came before the half ended. The second period saw both teams pushing to take the lead, but yet again we found ourselves behind to a scrappy goal we were unlucky to concede. With 15 minutes to go we were pushing more men forward in search of an equalizer. And we did find it, with a large dose of luck. A speculative effort by Roman from 40 yards bounced in front of the keeper and looped over the despairing goalie. And then in the dying minutes, Roman showed that he can also score goals of quality as he cut in from the right wing, beat a couple of players and buried his shot with his left foot past the keeper. It was a great goal and one that fittingly put us into the play-offs for a second year in a row. Congratulations to everyone involved with the reserves.

CPR Firsts' Crash Out in State Cup Semi's

Biffo — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:15:00 GMT

In a replay of last year’s thrilling Manning Cup Semi-Final, the CPR Whites faced off against a talented Mineola Portugese side on a blustery Randall’s Island pitch. Mineola took an early lead after an opportunistic forward snuck behind the CPR defense and pounced on a mishit shot that otherwise would have dribbled out of bounds well wide of Ben’s goal. With Ronaldo-esque precision, the crafty Portugese striker proceeded to rocket a first time strike into the back of the net. This set the stage for an unlucky first half that saw CPR misfire on several quality chances.

The second half saw CPR transition into a more attack-minded style that created some good chances for forwards Kyle and George. Several runs at goal demanded quality saves from the diminutive yet spry Mineola keeper, (who was also noteworthy for his extended kneeling prayers at the start of each half) but the equalizer proved elusive.

This attacking style left The Whites exposed to a number of dangerous Mineola counterattacks, one of which led to a late breakaway that was coolly finished by a speedy winger. This effectively sealed the victory for the Long Islanders, who clearly were please to exact revenge on a CPR side that ended their cup run one year earlier. Sic transit gloria, but CPR will get them next year!

Convincing win for Firsts' - 5-0!

Biffo — Mon, 09 May 2011 20:11:00 GMT

The firsts went into their game knowing that they needed a win to stay in the hunt for a play-off berth. Having no wins after the first 8 games this year - that's half the season! - a great effort in the spring and a run of one defeat in five has completely turned things around. And we couldn't have had a better start to the game today, as Kyle smashed in a scorcher with his left foot from the edge of the area after just 2 minutes.... and only 2 minutes later we doubled our lead as a flighted free kick by Eli was met by Danny Riso who looped his header over the keeper and in, to record a goal in his first first team start. The Croatians (and a rather vocal Jamaican) started to make a game of it and it took two saves by Ben on breakaways to keep our lead intact. But we also continued to create chances, and before the end of the half Kyle was put through in goal to show the Croats how it's done - 3-0. We came out in the second period determined to keep it tight at the back. But it wasn't long before we put the game well beyond Croatia's reach as Kyle grabbed his hat-trick, finishing a square ball from close range. We controversially got a fifth as a soft penalty was called as the keeper was judged to clip Riso in the box. Conor buried the spot kick to seal an emphatic victory. It was a great performance by everyone on a tricky pitch.

White's Reserves progress in Cup, defeating NY Croatia 5 - 2

toph — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:49:00 GMT

The reserves continued their push for silverware in the cup this season with a comprehensive victory over NY Croatia reserves. CPR went ahead early when Dan Riso was put through on goal and punished the Croatian defense with a sharp cross-court shot into the bottom corner. Minutes later, some great evasive dribbling from Brettski moved the ball to Toph, who put Steve Murray behind the Croatian defense. Muzz squared the ball and Riso was there again to finish at the back post. 2-0 CPR. The Whites had a quick chance to go up 3-0 when they were awarded a penalty still inside the first half. Unfortunately, a great save from Croatia's keeper prevented the third CPR goal coming from the spot. But it would come eventually when Shane got through to finish his chance and make amends for his missed penalty.

Early in the second half, the victory looked threatened when Croatia lofted a long ball over the center of CPR's back line and Mark Supplee closed down the defender who was all too willing to go down. Since Soup was the last covering defender, the referee had no choice but to go straight red to Soup and CPR were down to 10 men. But that didn't stop the whites. In fact, after some quick adjustments to their shape the Rangers continued to attack, knowing that sitting back and inviting pressure would not make the tie any easier. Los Blancos were awarded for their gaul, when a well worked, patient move down the right flank with quick short passing from Jacopo resulted in Toph getting behind the Croatian defense from the center half position. The captain cut the ball back to the awaiting Dan Riso, who coolly finished to complete his hat trick. 4-0 CPR.

What followed was a surge of Croatian attackers. The opposition, with nothing to hold back, threw more potential goal scorers forward in the attempt to level the score. While they were able to peg the Rangers back with 2 goals it would prove to not be enough. In the last stages of the game, Muzza received the ball as an outlet and showed some great strength to shrug off a heavy challenge from the Croatian side's "big" defender and went through on goal. When the Scottsman finished his chance with a perfectly placed curler into the far post, the opposition's hopes for anything from the game were dashed. Muzz received a yellow card for his well-deserved celebration and CPR marched on to victory.

Starting line up: Jon (K), Joachim (RB), Nick (CB), Mark (CB), Andy Ma (LB), Dan Riso (LW), Toph (CDM), Brett (CDM), Shane (RW), Andres (CAM), Muzza (F)

Subs: (All used) Jacopo, Archie, Brian

Victory for Firsts'

Biffo — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 01:04:00 GMT

The firsts came into the game knowing that three points were a must. The game started with both teams going through periods of possession, but just as we started to gain the upper hand a lucky ricochet put in a Stal Meilic player on goal and he finished unerringly. This only spurred us into action and minutes later a cleverly quick free-kick from Andy found George open at the back post and he skillfully headed the ball back across the keeper into the far corner for a classy finish. And soon after we took the lead, as another piece of class saw Andy stick a free kick from 20 yards right into the top corner – unstoppable! As the half wound down Stal had a couple of chances that whisked by our post, signaling that our job was far from done. We started the second period on top and within 10 minutes had stretched our lead. An exquisite pass from Dave to Eli found our flying fullback behind their defence and driving into the area Eli squared to George, who stroked in his second and our third. Unfortunately what followed put a dent in the weekend’s feel good factor as first Andy was red carded after getting into a rumble with a Stal defender and then the fat headed keeper, who also saw red… and then Lasse was sent off for a second yellow when needlessly blocking a free-kick. Playing now with nine versus ten, we used the space to our advantage and found openings to carve open the Poles.. making them start to look like, well, poles! Having made several substitutions, first Danny Riso calmly slotted in his chance when the ball popped out to him on the edge of the area with the keeper out of position… then Kyle scored a brace on his first team debut, very coolly and clinically slotting home two late opportunities in the area. 6-1 may have been a flattering scoreline, but it was testament to the sense of purpose we played with throughout and sets us up nicely and confidently for the run in.

TEAM: Ben, Eli, Pat W, Mike, Josh, Andy, Connor, Danny, Dave, George - SUBS (used): Danny Riz, Kyle, Mark, Ole

White's Reserves defeat Stal Mielic 4-2

toph — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:14:00 GMT

We recorded another weekend with a win as the team's good form is peeking at the business end of the season. The reserves quickly took control of an under-manned Stal Mielic team and it wasn’t long before our dominance paid off as new signing Ole found Andres free in the box, who buried his chance clinically. We continued to stay on top without really getting into top gear and subsequent well taken goals came from Muzza, Andres again, and Daniel. The second half was supposed to be a time where we asserted our better play, but unfortunately we dropped off our intensity and focus, and while still controlling much of the possession managed to concede two goals. A 4-2 win is good… but I’d like to see us playing at a higher intensity and keeping our focus throughout a game, even against weaker opposition.

Reserves defeat Barnstonworth 1-0

toph — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:18:00 GMT

The reserves kept their great run going, playing with purpose and commitment if a bit scrappily at times. The defense held firm and when the opportunity presented itself Andres buried his chance mid-way through the second half. Jon made some good blocks as Barnstonworth pushed for an equalizer but we were more than a match for our opponents and deservedly held out for the win.

Men's White Firsts' 1, Barnstonworth 0

Biffo — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 01:40:00 GMT

The firsts played a good first half which saw some decent passing and movement from both sides but not much in the way of intensity or cutting edge. Still, one wonderfully worked move calved the Rovers defense open and gave us the lead. Danny D picked up the ball from Dave in the Rovers half and sent an excellently flighted ball to George in the area. Lasse cleverly peeled away from his defender and when George expertly placed his header back across goal, Lasse was there to bury the chance on his first team debut. A great goal! Unfortunately, we were unable to match this level of play for the rest of the game and clearly tired in the second half as Barnstonworth picked up the pace of their play in search of an equalizer. We were lucky on at least one occasion not to concede a penalty, but bravely held out to record the win.

Goalless Draw for Firsts'

Biffo — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 01:34:00 GMT

The firsts played in a tight affair on that ended 0-0, but that we might have just deserved to win. We started off slowly against an energetic Clarkstown team and survived a couple of minor scares. We began to get the upper hand mid-way through and had plenty of possession, especially down the right wing with Shane getting in some good crosses. But we dropped our play again and were lucky when a shot struck our post. We were the better team for the large parts of the second half and continued to make progress particularly down the right. Still, we were unable to create many clear cut chances, save a wonderful effort from Shane who took a first time shot from 25 yards using the outside of his boot to see the ball sail over the keeper and crash on the underside of the bar and go out. Unlucky!

TEAM: Ben, Pat O, Mike, Pat, Eli, Andy, Danny, Dave, Shane, Carlos, George - SUBS (used): Josh, Danny Riz

A tale of two halves, Whites Reserves defeat Clarkstown 5-4

toph — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:40:00 GMT

The reserves survived a late scare on sunday as we took a 5-0 lead against nine-man Clarkstown, before opposition reinforcements arrived and they pegged us back to 5-4. It was a disappointing end to a game that we had easily controlled and highlights the importance of focusing in games for the full 90 minutes. The goals came from Steve (3), Lasse (with the fastest debut goal in CPR history!) and Andres.

Team: Jon (K), Andy Ma (LW), Nick Rudd (CB), Mark (CB), Joachim (RB), Jacopo (LW), Archie (CDM), Dan Riso (CAM), Andres (RW), Muzza (F), Daniel (F)

Subs: Lasse (F), Matt (LB), Ceasar (F), Yuval (F), Joe Sullivan (RB)

Goals: Steve (3), Lasse (1), Andres (1)

Firsts' Go Down to NYAC

Biffo — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:43:00 GMT

The firsts had a tougher time of things against a strong, fit and quick NYAC team that proved why they are the team to beat in this season's race to the league championship. Again, we had to put out a weakened team, but this one could not avoid a 3-0 defeat. We started the game well managing to hold off waves of NYAC attacks, but about 20 minutes in a move down our right flank led to the opposition's first goal. From then on we picked up the play and had the better of the action, creating several openings that our tireless lone striker George Fenwick was unlucky not to convert. But we were unable to capitalize on our superiority and as the half approached its end, gave up another goal when the ball unluckily ricocheted to an open NYAC player in our box. We came out strong in the second half, but a quick goal from a corner all but ended our chances of getting back into the game. Still, very creditably, we continued to work hard and created more openings, including a couple of efforts from distance from Danny, who hit the post and forced their keeper into an excellent outstretched save. We deserved to have notched up a goal.

TEAM: Jon, Josh, Pat O, Mike, Toph, Eli, Chris B, Danny, Andy, Carlos, George - SUBS (used): Daniel, Mark, Nick