Raptor Roundup! (weekend of 12/6/25)
- The Raptors Report
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Fans, it's time for another Raptor Roundup! Here's what's been going on with your favorite indoor soccer teams.
Men Win Nailbiter vs. Minnesota.
It came right down to the wire Saturday night as Jonah Dancer netted his fourth goal of the game with under a minute left in regulation to put away the visiting Minnesota Blizzard.
Rising star Jonah Bowen opened the scoring early, tapping one past the Blizzard's goalkeeper after a nifty move just three minutes into the quarter. Returning stars Jonah Dancer and Ronaldo Rojas provided big fireworks. Dancer was on fire in the second quarter, netting a hat trick. Rojas was electric throughout, scoring at the end of the second period, and again almost immediately in the third. He added two assists on his way to a four-point night.
But the Blizzard never gave up, scoring five unanswered goals in the third quarter to briefly take the lead. Spencer Overturf and Francesco Esteban scored twice for the Blizzard, with Logan Weller and Jordan Maldonado each scoring once.
Your Raptors rallied, though, scoring twice in the fourth to close it out.
"It was a good first game for us," said player-coach Bobby Hurwitz. "We definitely have some things to work on, but it's a great start and an exciting show for the fans."
Hurwitz had a big night himself, recording two assists. His fellow field general Jake Johnson also added two assists and a goal.
Your Raptors had a scare when starting goalkeeper Junior Holland was injured just minutes into the game. He was ably replaced by veteran Sean Austin; we will update our Raptors family on Holland's condition as soon as we get word.
In addition to being our home opener, Saturday was also our Salute to Service Night, in which we gave a big Raptors thank you to all former and current active duty military, police, and other First Responders. We were honored to host a Future Soldier Ceremony at halftime, in which newly enlisted Soldiers and Marines took their oath of service to the United States. Thanks to our friends at Salute to the Fallen, who were holding their annual Masquerade Ball in the Doubletree Convention Center, we were honored to welcome retired Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan (Army) to conduct the ceremony, along with Lt. Col. John Black (USMC) and our very special guest, Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell.
Ably assisting our visiting dignitaries were 1Lt. Scott Cherryholmes of the US Army, who put it together with the assistance of his team, SFC Stephen Shirtz and SSG David Davis. Capt. Alfredo Hernandez and SSgt. Guy Tobin made the trek from Des Moines in the teeth of a winter storm in order to represent the US Marine Corps. We'd like to give a big Raptor shout out to all the military personnel, with extra special thanks to Salute to the Fallen founder John Thompson (who also arranged for the pregame National Anthem to be performed by Ms. Barbie Johnson, a National Guard veteran).
Afterwards, the team were happy to pose with some of the new enlistees and military personnel, and an autographed Raptors team ball now proudly sits at the US Army Recruiting station in Cedar Rapids.
Raptor Women Drop Heartbreaker vs. Kansas City.
It was also opening night for your Raptors' women's side, who came up just short against the visiting Kansas Astras, 4-8.
"It was a tough loss but a good game," said forward Madisyn Hunt, one of several veterans of the Lady Raptors' 2023-4 squad. "We've got some things to work on, but it's a positive start." Hunt notched one of the Lady Raptors' four goals, continuing her strong play and veteran leadership from last season. Nina Sanchez scored twice, and Emely Padilla scored once. Christina Egger and Esther Attwood each contributed an assist.
Winter Skills Camp a Huge Hit
Our Winter Skills Camp got off to a roaring start on Saturday. Over 40 local youth players came to get personal instruction from their favorite Men's and Women's players.
All participants received a Raptors t-shirt (pictured) and a ticket for the evening's games, where they rocked the house cheering on both squads. Thanks to everyone who participated! Based on your overwhelming response, we'll be holding another Kids' Camp before our December 27th game. Spots are still available, but they're going fast!
Meet "Goalzilla."
The very newest Raptor made her season debut Saturday night:
Goalzilla is the ultimate Jurassic Fanatic, and will be pumping up the crowd at each and every Raptors' game for the rest of the season.
Corridor FC Wins Open Adult Tournament
Our annual Winter Tournament wrapped up on Sunday with some familiar faces taking home the gold:
Upcoming Games
Your Raptors will be heading to Omaha for the first of back-to-back tilts vs. the Kings and Queens on December 20. We'll have all the action for you via livestream -- check our social media pages!! The Omaha sides come to our house on the 27th. Tickets are still available, online or at the Powerhouse box office.
That's all for now, Raptor fans -- stay tuned!!