Raptors Win with Spectacular Second Half Rally, 8-6

Your Raptors won in spectacular fashion Sunday afternoon, reeling off six unanswered goals in the second half to overcome the visiting Muskegon (MI) Risers, 8-6.

Obviously looking to avenge their previous night's loss to the Des Moines Demon Hawks, the Risers came out shooting, quickly opening up a 3-0 lead. A Raptors rally fizzled out late in the second quarter, and a clearly dejected Cedar Rapids team left the field at halftime trailing 4-1.

But savvy locker room adjustments combined with inspired veteran leadership to spark a furious second half rally. Your Raptors banged home six unanswered goals in the third period to take a commanding 7-4 lead. Tight defense and a timely goal put the clamps on a gritty comeback attempt by Muskegon in the game's final minutes, and the hometown team came away with their first regular season victory, 8-6.

Cedar Rapids mayor Tiffany O'Donnell takes in the action with Raptors marketing director Joe Sample

"That was maybe a little too exciting," Assistant Coach Ed Knupp joked after the game. "But that's what keeps the fans coming back. Anything can happen!"

The victory featured another strong performance by midfielder Jonah Dancer (#12), who posted a hat trick (three goals). Also scoring single goals were forwards Ricky Orozco (#6) and Ronaldo Rojas (#9), defenders Mariano Mateo (#23) and David Lapan-Islas (#15), and midfielder Bobby Hurwitz (#17). Hurwitz and forward Ayo Adebayo (#20) contributed two assists each, with Mateo and forward Jez Rodriguez (#16) each adding one.

Sunday's game marked the indoor season debut for both Mateo and Hurwitz. A veteran MASL player and perennial fan favorite, Hurwitz shared his thoughts with the Raptors Report at the after party at Cliff's Bar and Grill (221 Second Ave SE):

For those fans who missed the excitement live, the full game can be viewed on YouTube:

Your Raptors are back in action vs. the Muskegon Risers at the PowerHouse on Friday, December 30, with kickoff at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available online or at the PowerHouse box office.

For game analysis, team happenings, and everything else a Jurassic Fanatic needs, follow the Raptors Report on Twitter: @IARaptorsReport. #RunWithTheRaptors.