 Regular Season Champions (7-3-1) league / (7-4-1) overall Season Review CPCC's first place finish in the regular season came after a series of dramatic turns. After opening the season with an embarrassing 10-1 loss to the Pfeiffer University JV under the lights of Memorial Stadium, the players regained pride in themselves and renewed their commitment to one another through a series of intense practices and hard-fought wins. New stars emerged to blend with some much improved veterans. By the season's ninth week, the Tigers midfield had coalesced into the league's most dominant. Only season-ending injuries to several key players stopped the momentum toward a tournament title. In his third season as coach, Alex Lyle has delivered his best season yet. Images from the season (open as "read only") MATCH REPORTS are below. The roster, all results, final standings, and tournament pairings are here.
Tigers Eliminated in Tournament Semifinals - Fall to Mambo Kings 4-1 The previous day's win would prove costly, as Ryan Kloepping's collision with a Polonia defender resulted in a badly bruised knee. With neither Kloepping nor Jessie Plum unable to dress out, the Tigers played the entire match against the Mambo Kings a man down. The Mambo Kings, meanwhile, mustered their entire roster for this important tournament semifinal. CPCC held off the Mambos for more than 20 minutes before surrendering a goal. CPCC's most serious threat came five minutes later when midfielder John Bailey touched the ball over the head of a defender in the box, then deftly slotted home for what would have been the equalizer. The farthest official ruled a high kick, negating what would have been the equalizer. Trailing 1-0 at the end of the first half, the Tigers changed little in their approach to the second. Conceding nothing to the Mambos' superior numbers, the Tigers continued to attack for the next 20 minutes. In the 55th minute, the dam finally burst, and the Mambo Kings got their second goal. Goals three and four came at the 59 and 63 minute marks. Still, the character that this team has displayed all season again showed itself as the Tigers' continued attacks were rewarded by a corner kick which Andrew Mogollon perfectly placed in the goal mouth, resulting in an own-goal by a Mambo defender. The official's whistle sounded the end of the match, and for the Tigers, the end of a successful season. Starters: Aristondo Giancarlo, Brandon Arnold, John Bailey, Andres Barrero, Jose Flores, Matthew Krenz, Anderson Mogollon (68'), Jason Murphy, Julian Rojos, Jonathan Payne CPCC Opens Tournament Play with a 4-2 Win Over Polonia Search the phrase "Polonia soccer", and you will find soccer clubs with proud, winning traditions not only in Warsaw, but in places like south Australia, Ontario Canada, Milwaukee and Cleveland. In other words, where ever eleven or more soccer players of Polish descent reside, a soccer club is likely found. Mecklenburg county's Polonia waited until the final week of the season to make an impact, when it stunned the league with a victory over league leading Inter. While Polonia continued their run by winning their tournament first round match, CPCC began tournament play as top seed. CPCC wasted no time in attacking the Polonia goal. In the sixth minute, Ryan Kloepping cut back a ball from the end line on the right side to a waiting Anderson Mogollon, who headed it into the net in textbook fashion. Twelve minutes later, Mogollon and Kloepping hooked up again in nearly identical fashion, though this time reversing roles. Kloepping's shot in the 33rd minute on an assist by Andres Barrero was a just reward for a full half of dominating play. The second half would develop into one of the strangest in recent memory. Perhaps with dreams fired by their recent upset victories, Polonia stepped up their efforts. Those efforts were rewarded with a penalty kick in the 58th minute. With the PK successfully converted, Polonia worked hard for more shots and more set pieces. Though at least one dive went unacknowledged, lady luck did indeed smile on Polonia's efforts to even the match. Incredibly, a shot sent from the left side found its way through a torn net and into the goal. After an extended conference, both officials ruled a goal for Polonia. Suddenly, with more than 15 minutes remaining, a stunned CPCC side found itself nursing a one goal lead. With the midfield reasserting itself, Polonia was frustrated in their attempts to either manufacture or conjure another goal, and a streaking Ryan Kloepping gained the "hat trick" while administering the coup de gras in the final minute for the 4-2 win. Starters: Giancarlo Aristondo, Brandon Arnold, John Bailey, Andres Barrero, Jose Flores, Ryan Kloepping (18'. 33', 69'), Matthew Krenz, Anderson Mogollon (6'), Jason Murphy, Julian Rojas, Jonathan Payne Substitutes: Orlando Zarate Week #10 Upsets Shake Up Standings Entering the last week of the regular season, Inter appeared set to claim their first regular season championship. Fresh off a 3-1 victory over surging CPCC, the Inter side were understandably confident in their ability to lay claim to the crown, for all that stood in their way was a win over struggling Polonia. But the unthinkable happened, as Polonia hung three goals on a heretofore impenetrable Inter defense, and it was Inter that got shutout. CPCC meanwhile, finished the regular season in style, improving to 6-2-1 and posting the best regular season record in the league. After initially declaring Inter the regular season champion, the league Director recalculated the numbers from the league table. He quickly realized his error and issued the revised final standings. The corrected standings mean CPCC has earned it's third regular season championship since 2001. It also brings a more favorable path to the tournament final, where a rematch with Inter is likely. CPCC lost to Inter 3-1 in the eighth week of the season. In other end of the season announcements, the league MVP award was declared a tie. "Mike Sweeting and Mike Micolucci both ...played for Charlotte United so, you decide who to give the trophy to", wrote Ventress Williams. The "Goalie of the Year" award was given to the "Inter Team", and Charlotte United's Scott Kaplan was the leading goal scorer with seven. Week #10 Tigers Shutout United 2-0 Week #9 Tigers Explode Against Mambo Kings for a 4-0 Win The fall 2006 edition of the CPCC Tigers reached a new plateau in this game, putting together a dominant performance against one of the league's better teams. Players are finding their roles and building a confidence in their mates. A full report will be posted here by the end of the week. Week #8 (Sunday) Inter hands Tigers 3-1 Loss The Tigers quickly answered Inter's first goal when Ryan Kloepping scored in the twenty second minute. The rest of the match was marked by numerous missed opportunities. Less than five minutes after an Inter score in the fifty first minute to take a 2-1 lead, they were awarded a PK on a take down in the Tiger box. Inter's increased their lead to 3-1 after safely slotting the PK home. In the games final fifteen minutes, CPCC mounted several attacks, but Inter's speedy back four applied sufficient pressure to redirect each potential breakaway. Julian Rojas played one of his best games at right mid, and Jonathan Payne's work on the left side of the back was inspired. But with Jose Flores sidelined due to a foot injury, CPCC's back four was hard-pressed to match the speed of Inter's forwards for certain stretches of the match. From a spectator's perspective, this was a fun game to watch, as both sides furiously attacked the other's goal. Perhaps the timing and emotions of the previous day's match had taken an undue toll. Just the same, Inter is a formidable opponent, one that is sure to be a factor in the regular season's final weeks and in the tournament. Week #8 (Saturday) Tigers Top Viet 3-1 CPCC was well in control of this match until the league official in attendance ended it midway into the second half due to a spate of unsportsmanlike conduct. Week #7 Tigers Claw to 2-1 Win Against Lions Watching from the sidelines Sunday as the Conquering Lions pushed CPCC's Tigers to the brink, it is hard to believe the Lions are winless at this point in the season. Yes, the Lions escaped early disaster in this match when the Tigers blew several point-blank scoring opportunities in the first ten minutes, but their counter attacks soon leveled the field of play. Keeper Jonathan Payne's impressive save of a PK in the 20th minute kept the game scoreless for little more than another five minutes. The Lions drew first blood with a cross from the right sideline that was one-touched into the Tiger net by a forward running into the left side of the box. The Tiger's luck would soon change. Ryan Kloepping's unrelenting pressure on the back of the Lions defense forced a mistake that he would turn into a quick and much-needed equalizer that would stand until the halftime break. Both sides seemed to come out of the break with renewed confidence. The Lions' repeated counters produced a string of corner kicks, each one having an air of danger. Jonathan Payne's decisiveness was key in helping the Tigers escape these with no damage. The central defense, anchored by Jason Murphy and Brandon Arnold, applied steady pressure in the middle, preventing easy shots from the top of the box. With the help of a hard working Jose Flores, every probing ball sent into the Tiger defending third was tracked down and sent out. As the second half progressed, wind gusts of up to 15-20 mph became a factor. The accuracy of any long ball was limited, giving the advantage to the midfielder that could bring down and control the ball. While the Lions long balls sailed ever more widely, the Tiger midfield succeeded in piecing together several meaningful possessions. One such came in the 58th minute, when John Bailey found Muhamed Sheikh in a dangerous space near the top of the Lion's box. Sheikh's perfect square pass back to an oncoming Bailey came just in time for him to get off a hard left-footed shot. It sailed just inside the left post past a helpless keeper for a 2-1 lead, and the Tiger defense held on tightly the rest of the way to make it the game winner. Starters: Jonathan Payne, Andres Barrero, Jason Murphy, Brandon Arnold, Jose Flores, Matthew Krenz, Muhamed Sheikh, Andrew Mogollon, Julian Rojas, Ryan Kloepping (26'), John Bailey (58') Substitutes: Giancarlo Aristondo, Orlando Zarate Week #6 Match vs. Viet postponed due to rain There are times when a club shows its mettle simply by showing up. Such was the case on Sunday (10-22-06) when early morning showers cast the status of the day's matches in doubt. Even without an update on the Park and Rec Rainout line, we had a full side show up ready to play. Though an on-the-field decision was made not to play the match, I want to thank all of you who reported.
Week #5 Tigers Tied 1-1 on Late Polonia Goal CPCC opened play with its best half of the season, maintaining extended possessions and creating numerous scoring opportunities. With any luck, CPCC would have put this one away early after the break. As it was, the Tigers were nursing a 1-0 advantage in the waning minutes, and Polonia evened the score with a goal in the 58th minute. More details and score sheet coming Wednesday. Week #4 All matches were postponed due to rain, and has been rescheduled for 11/19/06. Any additional rainouts will be made up on a Saturday or canceled indefinitely. Week #3 CPCC Nips CHOA 3-2 Showing up short handed on Sunday is never a good feeling. Although CHOA is of the same caliber as Inferno, being short-sided ALWAYS creates disadvantage. While fielding nine players for the first 25 minutes of the match, the Tigers spotted CHOA an early goal. However, Jesse Plume set the scales back even with a solid shot from the right side shortly thereafter. With a full crew finally showing up in the final minutes of the first half, CPCC could attack more confidently. A cross deflected off the back of Matt Hunter was quickly turned into an assist when finished by Julian Rojas for a 2-1 advantage for CPCC at the half. Things heated up after the break. CPCC definitely began to feel the effects of no subs and several starting players. At the 50th minute, CHOA squeezed in a lucky goal as a CPCC defender was fouled from behind beyond the apparent view of the officials. The stalemate remained at 2-2 until the 68th minute when a well staged attack began with Andres Barrero. Barrero played the ball perfectly to a running Julian Rojas who was flanked by rushing defender Jason Murphy. As Rojas steamed down the right wing towards the keeper, he crossed the ball to a waiting Murphy who placed the ball at the back of the net for the game winner. Final score CPCC 3-CHOA 2. Week #2 Rivals edge CPCC 2-1 For the CPCC Tigers, week #2 of the regular season presented a familiar foe. The defending champion Rivals came out in full force to renew their series with CPCC. The Rivals opened scoring in the 12th minute (pictured at left), then held on for a 1-0 lead at the half. CPCC seized control at the opening of the second half by spreading the field and knitting together some possessions. The payoff came in the 39th minute when Andrew Mogollon played a nice ball behind the Rivals defense which Lamine Benzerga sent home for the equalizer. The Rivals would answer with a well-placed direct kick from just beyond the 18 in the 42cnd minute to retake the lead. The Tigers fought back by maintaining control. In so doing, they almost retook control of the match. At around the 55th minute, the Tigers were awarded a PK when Julian Rojas was taken down in the box. Though the keeper blocked Lamine Benzerga's attempt, CPCC kept up the pressure until the final whistle. CPCC's production was undoubtedly hampered by the absence several key players due to injury (Ryan Kloepping and Jesse Plume). Jonathan Payne did an outstanding job in goal filling in for Aristondo Giancarlo, whose scheduled absence was due to a longstanding family commitment. It was a strong effort against a familiar opponent, but the Tigers will need steady improvement to finish in the upper division of a league made decidedly deeper by the addition of several strong teams. Starters: Jonathan Payne, Jason Murphy, Brandon Arnold, Jose Flores, Pierre Marquina, Matthew Krenz, Andres Barrero, Mohamed Sheikh, Reagan Kajangu, Anderson Mogollon, Ricardo Espinoza Substitutes: Julian Rojos, Lamine Benzerga (39'), Orlando Zarate, John Bailey | League match #2 | CPCC | RIVALS | | GOALS (Total) | 1 | 2 | | GOALS (1st half) | 0 | 1 | | GOALS (2cnd half) | 1 | 1 | | SHOTS (Total) | 5 | 5 | | SHOTS (1st half) | 2 | 3 | | SHOTS (2cnd half) | 3 | 2 | | SAVES | 4 | 3 | | CORNER KICKS | 2 | 3 | | FOULS | 10 | 8 | | OFFSIDE | 5 | 1 | Sun., 3:15PM (9-24-06) McAlpine Park #1 sunny, 55F, winds 10-15 mph |
Week #1 Tigers Win League Opener 2-1 CPCC opened league play in a rather tense affair with Inferno, who opened scoring by getting lucky in the 12th minute with a bouncing ball in the box that found its way to the back of the net. CPCC equalized less than ten minutes later for a 1-1 tie that stood through the break. Approximately 15 minutes into the second half, CPCC got a goal that would prove to be the match winner, though it would take surprisingly hard work by the defense to make stand. With only one substitute and limited water, the twelve who reported left it all on the field on this day. Complete match report will be posted here later. Pfeiffer Univ. JV Tops Tigers in Opener Pfeiffer University's JV squad brought their best to Memorial Stadium, handing the just-organized Tiger squad a 10-1 lesson in teamwork and fitness. CPCC avoided the shutout with a strike by Lamine Benzerga at around the 60th minute. Despite the lopsided score, the club members showed great competitive spirit, sportsmanship, and class. Coach Alex Lyle seemed encouraged by the effort in the club's first outing, only the second appearance at Memorial Stadium in school history. The school's first appearance was the previous fall against Pfeiffer's JV in the "Hurricane Katrina Benefit" match. Pfeiffer coach Ken Hassler was grateful for the opportunity afforded his freshmen and JV players and expressed a definite interest in making the meeting an annual event. "This match gave some of our young players a chance to demonstrate they are worthy of some playing time on varsity squad. Based on tonight's performance, it will be hard to deny them that", Hassler noted after the match. For CPCC, the match was a reminder of both the club's potential and how much work remains before it can be realized.
 | FALL 2006 PLAYER ROSTER |
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| Name | # | Pos. |
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| Giancarlo Aristondo | 1 | K | | Brandon Arnold | 13 | D | | John Bailey | 2 | MF | | Andres Barrero | 11 | MF | | Lamine Benzerga | 10 | F/D | | Ricardo Espinosa | 26 | D | | Jose Flores | 20 | D | | Ryan Kloepping | 15 | F | | Matt Krenz | 5 | F | | Carlos Leon | 16 | MF | | Pierre Marquina | 17 | MF | | Anderson Mogollon | 23 | MF | | Jason Murphy | 33 | D | | Jessie Plume | 3 | MF | | Julian Rojas | 7 | MF | | Mahamed Sheikh | 12 | D | | Orlando Zarate | 9 | MF | |
FALL 2006 SCHEDULE RESULTS (W-L-T) (7-3-1) league / (7-4-1) overall | DAY | TIME | DATE | OPPONENT | VENUE | RESULT | | SAT. | 7:00PM | 9/2/06 | PFEIFFER UNIV. JV | MEMORIAL STADIUM | 10-1 (L) | | SUN | 2:45PM | 9/17/06 | INFERNO | McALPINE PARK #1 | 1-2 (W) | | SUN | 2:45PM | 9/24/06 | Rivals | " " | 2-1 (L) | | SUN | 12:15PM | 10/1/06 | CHOA | " " | 2-3 (W) | | SUN | 1:30PM | 10/8/06 | United | " " | ppd | | SUN | 4:00PM | 10/15/06 | POLONIA | " " | 1-1 (T) | | SUN | 11:00AM | 10/22/06 | Viet | " " | ppd | | SUN | 12:15PM | 10/29/06 | LIONS | " " | 1-2 (W) | | SAT | 11:30AM | 11/4/06 | Viet | " " | 1-3 (W) | | SUN | 2:45PM | 11/5/06 | INTER | " " | 3-1 (L) | | SUN | 12:15PM | 11/12/06 | Mambo Kings | " " | 0-4 (W) | | SUN | 1:30PM | 11/19/06 | United | " " | 0-2 (W) | | Fall 2006 Tournament | | SAT | 1:00PM | 12/9/06 | Polonia (2cnd Round) | " " | 2-4 (W) | | SUN | 1:00PM | 12/10/06 | Mambo Kings (Semis) | " " | 4-1 (L) | | | | | | | |

2006 Fall Adult Soccer League Table | | | TEAMS: | | | | | Rivals | | Charlotte Viet | | | Charlotte Polonia | CHOA | | | FC Inferno | | Charlotte United | | | INTER | | Conquering Lions | | | CPCC | | MAMBO KINGS | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 9/17/06 | Week One | | | | | 11:00AM | CHOA | 1:1 | LIONS | | | 12:15PM | INTER | 1:1 | RIVALS | | | 1:30PM | VIET | 0:1 | UNITED | | | 2:45PM | INFERNO | 1:2 | CPCC | | | 4:00PM | MAMBO KINGS | 2:0 | POLONIA | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 9/24/06 | Week Two | | | | | 11:00AM | POLONIA | 1:2 | VIET | | | 12:15PM | INFERNO | 2:3 | MAMBO KINGS | | | 1:30PM | INTER | 2:2 | CHOA | | | 2:45PM | CPCC | 1:2 | RIVALS | | | 4:00PM | UNITED | 2:2 | LIONS | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 10/1/06 | Week Three | | | | | 11:00AM | UNITED | 1:1 | INTER | | | 12:15PM | CHOA | 2:3 | CPCC | | | 1:30PM | MAMBO KINGS | 3:2 | VIET | | | 2:45PM | LIONS | 0:2 | POLONIA | | | 4:00PM | RIVALS | 1:2 | INFERNO | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 10/08/06 Week Four rained-out: rescheduled to 11/19/2006 | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 10/15/06 | Week Five | | | | | 11:00AM | RIVALS | 0:6 | CHOA | | | 12:15PM | VIET | 1:3 | INTER | | | 1:30PM | INFERNO | 3:2 | UNITED | | | 2:45PM | LIONS | 0:3 | MAMBO KINGS | | | 4:00PM | POLONIA | 1:1 | CPCC | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 10/22/06 | Week Six | | | | SEE 11/4/06 | 11:00AM | CPCC | ppd | VIET | | | 12:15PM | UNITED | 1:6 | RIVALS | | | 1:30PM | INTER | 5:1 | LIONS | | | 2:45PM | INFERNO | 5:0 | POLONIA | | | 4:00PM | MAMBO KINGS | 4:2 | CHOA | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 10/29/06 | Week Seven | | | | | 11:00AM | INTER | 1:0 | MAMBO KINGS | | | 12:15PM | LIONS | 1:2 | CPCC | | | 1:30PM | POLONIA | 1:1 | RIVALS | | | 2:45PM | INFERNO | 0:1 | VIET | | | 4:00PM | UNITED | 1:0 | CHOA | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 11/4/06 | Make-up of 10/22/06 | | | | | 11:30AM | CPCC | 3:1 | VIET | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 11/5/06 | Week Eight | | | | | 11:00AM | VIET | 3:3 | RIVALS | | | 12:15PM | POLONIA | 2:7 | CHOA | | | 1:30PM | MAMBO KINGS | 1:2 | UNITED | | | 2:45PM | INTER | 3:1 | CPCC | | | 4:00PM | INFERNO | 3:3 | LIONS | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 11/12/06 | Week Nine | | | | | 11:00AM | RIVALS | 3:2 | LIONS | | | 12:15PM | CPCC | 4:0 | MAMBO KINGS | | | 1:30PM | INFERNO | 1:4 | INTER | | | 2:45PM | CHOA | 1:2 | VIET | | | 4:00PM | UNITED | 3:2 | POLONIA | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 11/19/06 | Make-up of Week Four | | | | 11:00AM | RIVALS | 6:0 | MAMBO KINGS | | | 12:15PM | POLONIA | 3:0 | INTER | | | 1:30PM | CPCC | 2:0 | UNITED | | | 2:45PM | CHOA | 4:2 | INFERNO | | | 4:00PM | VIET | 1:3 | LIONS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | RAIN-OUT LINE | | TOURNAMENT | | INFORMATION: | | 704 336-5800 | | see brackets below | | 704 568-4044 | | "PRESS 4" | | | | 980 722-2297 | | | | | | |
Fall 2006 Final Standings | TEAM NAME | WON | LOST | TIED | GF | GA | | RIVALS | 4 | 2 | 3 | 23 | 17 | | CPCC * | 6 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 11 | | MAMBO KINGS | 5 | 4 | 0 | 15 | 19 | | CHARLOTTE UNITED | 3 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 18 | | INTER | 5 | 1 | 3 | 20 | 11 | | CLT POLONIA | 2 | 5 | 2 | 12 | 22 | | FC INFERNO | 3 | 5 | 1 | 20 | 20 | | CHOA | 3 | 3 | 3 | 26 | 17 | | CHARLOTTE VIET | 4 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 18 | | CONQUERING LIONS | 1 | 5 | 3 | 13 | 22 | | * Regular Season Champions |
Fall 2006 Tournament | | | | | | | | | | | | CPCC | 4 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Sat. 12/9/06 | | | | | | | | | 1:00pm | | | CPCC | 1 | | | | | Inferno | Field #1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Sat. 12/2/06 | Polonia | 2 | | Sunday, 12/10/06 | | | | | 11:30am | | | | 1:00pm | | | | | | Field # 1 | | | | Field # 1 | | Mambo Kings | | | | Polonia | | | | | | | | | | | Viet | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Sun. 12/3/06 | | | | | | | | | 1:30pm | | Mambo Kings | 4 | | | | | | Field #1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Time/Date | | | | | Mambo Kings | | | | TBD | | | | | | | | | | | | Rivals | | | | | | | | | | | | | Rivals | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Sun. 12/3/06 | | | | | | | | | 12:15pm | | Rivals | | | | | | | Field #1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Sunday, 12/10/06 | | | | | | CHOA | | | 2:30pm | | | | | | United | | | | Field # 1 | | Rivals | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Sat. 12/2/06 | United | | | | | | | | | 1:00am | | | | | | | | | | Field # 1 | | | | | | | | | | Lions | Sat. 12/9/06 | | | | | | | | | 11:30am | | | | | | | | | | Field #1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | INTER | | | | | | | |
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