CPR v Maverick United - November 8, 2009 (Newton HS, Queens)

With the team's designated match report writer back in attendance, all were relieved that there would in fact be a proper documentation of the day's events.  With an absolutely glorious fall day, CPR Black players arrived surprisingly early for their next Metro League fixture.  The initially thin-looking roster was boosted by Phillips and his friend Andy, late saturday additions to the squad.  Verdoux also made an unexpected cameo after realizing he had the kits, earning his (and CPR Black's) first Conboy (note, for those not familiar with CPR stats, a Conboy is an appearance made by a player who either does not respond to the evite or responds as a no).  

With Penrod out for spousal birthday duties and other backup keepers unavailable, Verdoux initially started in net.  Unfortunately, as the opponents were outfitted in a bright puke-green colored kit, the CPR Black keeper was asked by the referee to change out of the the #1 day-glo green kit.  

Play was initially disjointed, with CPR appearing to be the stronger side yet failing to generate much in the way of real danger or scoring opportunities.  As play wore on, CPR's fitness advantage began to shine through despite their opponents ample substitute bench.  Stern, Levy and Greicius began to combining to probe increasingly deeper into the Maverick defense.  Stern fired the first warning shot of CPR intent as he sliced his way through the Maverick line only to see his shot beat the keeper but fail to beat the far post.  E Engler opened the CPR scoring by pouncing off a rebound from a Levy shot and slamming home past the prone Maverick keeper.  

Maverick did have a chance to draw level as the half was winding down.  A free kick found their center striker unmarked in the center of the area, but he was unable to control the ball to put his shot on target.  Phillips then nearly doubled the CPR lead, heading just over the bar off a corner.  

The second half saw Levy unleash his inner Ronaldinho.  He quickly tallied 2 for CPR Black with the first coming off a clever turn in the center of the area and his second off a rebound.  

With the 3-0 lead, CPR felt they were cruising to victory and let their foot off the proverbial gas pedal.   Maverick's lumbering midfielder found himself played through with only Phillips to beat for a 1v1 against Lukaszewski, but Phillips cleverly grabbed hold of his, um - manhood, to ensure he could not break free for a clean scoring opportunity.  The two got tangled together leaving Lukaszewski to scoop up the ball.  Maverick calls for a penalty fell on deaf ears.

Felt aggrieved to have not been awarded a penalty for Phillips's foul play, Maverick were granted a make-up call minutes later after a shot was driven into Calcagni's arm.  Though he had no chance to turn away, the referee awarded Maverick the spot kick. The resulting penalty was comical, with neither quality pace or placement, and ranks as the worst penalty taken in the metro league since the last penalty that was taken in the metro league.  Inexplicably, despite having a full palm on the ball, Lukaszewski somehow failed to prevent the effort from trickling in to his right corner, which resulted in temporarily tightened the score line to 3-1.  

Levy responded almost immediately to seal his 2nd half hat trick by latching on to a pass from Gudkov and slotting home past the keeper.   The goal completely deflated the Maverick balloon, ending any thoughts of mounting a comeback.  

Final Score:  4-1

Goals:  Levy (3), E Engler

Assists:  Gudkov (1)

Team:  Calcagni, E Engler, Gudkov, Greicius, Hollins, Levy, Lukaszewski, Phillips, Smith, Stern, Verdoux

Man of the Match:  Levy (for the 2nd half hat trick) and Phillips (for doing anything to win, and for winning every single header near him while thoroughly dominating play)

Mike Ds (no-shows):  Ault

Conboys (unexpected shows):  Verdoux

Team Bar Showing:  3 (27%) - Calcagni, Hollins, Lukaszewski

Special Thanks:  Andy and Andy, who helped fill out a short-handed squad