Raptor Roundup (weekend of 12/27)

Big Win for Raptors' Men. Attention Jurassic Fanatics! Your Raptors own the leaderboard in M2 with a perfect 3-0 record after a convincing win over the visiting Omaha Kings.

Your Raptors stumbled out of the gate, spotting the Kings a 2-0 lead. Manuel Lira scored at just under 9:00 in the first quarter on a nifty shot from outside, and an unfortunate tripping call against Jonah Dancer allowed Ali Sodal to bang home a powerplay goal (assisted by Morgan Penn).

Your Raptors tied it up in the second, scoring twice in just over two minutes. Beni Mubake knocked home the first of his three goals on the night off a beautiful pass from Jake Johnson at 14:15; three minutes later, Johnson fed Ronaldo Rojas for the tie.

Rookie Griffin Storr crushed a shot from the outside to net his first goal of the season late in the third, but your Raptors' lead was short-lived, with Lira and Sodal combining for the tying goal in the period's final minute.

But Mubake was there again with 0:18 left in the third, breaking ankles on his way to a solo goal, and it was all Raptors in the fourth. Rojas and Johnson teamed up again to open the scoring -- Johnson's third assist of the night -- and Rojas set up Mubake's hat trick five minutes later. Dawson Swearingen went top shelf from just inside the yellow line, notching his first goal of the season to stake your Raptors to a comfortable four goal lead with just over four minutes remaining.

But the fireworks weren't over! Jonah and Jack Dancer made it a family affair in the bottom of the fourth, Jonah hitting Jack on a beautiful pass across the crease. Omaha managed a garbage-time goal with just under a minute to play (Murlio Ceruli, assisted by Bobby Jaffrey), but Jack Dancer negated it with his second score of the night, with an assist from Storr.

Check out all the highlights!!!

Jonah Dancer and Rojas are now tied for the team lead in points (8), which ties them for second in the league; Mubake is tied for third. Dancer, Rojas, and Mubake are also 3-4-5 in goals league-wide. Johnson is far and away the league's leader in assists, with five; Rojas is fourth (3); Mubake is now fifth, with 2 assists.

Ronaldo Rojas discusses his big night (note: I incorrectly stated that Rojas had a hat trick on the night; he in fact had three total points. I apologize for the error).

It was a breakout performance from Mubake, a fan favorite rookie who tripled his point total in one action-packed night.

Beni Mubake on his outstanding performance

Sean Austin got the start in goal for your Raptors, and he was characteristically solid, surrendering just four goals on a barrage of shots. Austin is the third goaltender to see action for your Raptors so far this season, taking over early in the first quarter of the home opener in relief of the injured Junior Holland. Raptors' Report spoke to Holland before this weekend's tilt; he is awaiting the result of some tests, but says he's feeling good and hopes to return to action soon. We will keep you updated as we get word.

Raptor Women Fight Hard in Doubleheader. Your Lady Raptors had a jam-packed weekend, facing off against the Omaha Queens on Saturday night, then taking the field once again on Sunday afternoon vs. the Iowa Demon Hawks.

Your Lady Raptors came up just short against the Queens, losing 11-5. Madisyn Hunt turned in another excellent performance. She was involved in every Lady Raptors' goal, scoring four herself and assisting on Christina Egger's first of the season. Egger's goal sparked a furious rush late in the fourth quarter, bringing the Lady Raptors within four, but it wasn't quite enough to secure their first win of the season. Gritty defender Savannah Stout assisted on two of Hunt's goals, with Peiton Hulata assisting on another (Hunt went solo in the second, a rocket just past the fingertips of Queens' goalie Kylie Comba).

Unfortunately for your Lady Raptors, we were scheduled to take the field again less than 24 hours later, against a Des Moines squad filled with ringers. The always-competitive Demon Hawks featured a bevy of players from the Mexican National Futsal team, and their experience and fresh legs proved too much for your Lady Raptors to overcome. Taylor Zabrocki rang up the lone goal for your Lady Raptors, knocking in a great pass off the wall from Christina Egger. The game was much closer than the score indicated, however. Your Lady Raptors peppered Des Moines goalie Rosemary Elliott with hot shots; more than a few opportunities dinged off the crossbar. "It doesn't always show up on the scoreboard," coach Bobby Hurwitz said later, "but this team is really coming together. We're getting better with each and every outing."

Upcoming Minicamp. Kids, keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming Winter Minicamp! Registration opens soon for our camp before the next match, January 31 vs. Wichita. We'll get the registration information to you as soon as we can.

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Big Grove Watch Party! Want to learn the game from the very best? Want to see what the pros see? Join us this upcoming Sunday, January 4, at Big Grove Brewery (170 1st St. SW, Cedar Rapids) as we scout our next opponents, the Wichita Wings. They're at home vs. the Omaha Kings, and we roll into Wichita to do battle on January 17. We'll be there starting at 5pm. Bring your Raptors gear, get autographs from all your favorite players, and learn how the guys prepare to face a tough road challenge.

Upcoming Matches: Your Raptor men face off against the Wings in an action-packed doubleheader! Kickoff is at 7pm for the January 31 tilt; 4pm kickoff on Sunday, February 1. Your Lady Raptors are also going back to back on those dates -- a 4pm kickoff on 1/31 vs. the Kansas City Astras; 1pm start on 2/1 vs. Des Moines. Tickets are available online or at the box office. Don't forget our great BOGO blowout ticket offer! Use code CRWATCH at any time before match day to get two tickets for the price of one!