Iowa Raptors Join the NPSL

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the only league designated by USASA as a Tier 1 national league, is proud to announce that the Iowa Raptors (Cedar Rapids, IA) have joined the league as an expansion team.  The club will begin play in 2023.

“The Raptors have a successful history in their community, and we are pleased to welcome them as our newest team in Iowa,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “The NPSL expansion team has concentrated their efforts in this area of the country, and we are pleased that it has resulted in bringing one of the top brands in the area into the NPSL’s Midwest Region.”  

The club will be led by Managing Partner Bobby Hurwitz, General Manager Gordy Gurson, and Head Coach Hewerton Moreira.

Hurwitz is a former MASL player who has been the Managing Partner of the Iowa Raptors since the club’s founding in 2019.  He is focused on the player pathway between academy and senior teams along with day-to-day operations.

Gurson has been the General Manager of the Iowa Raptors since 2019.  He is in his 10th season in the MASL and ranks among the leaders in career goals.  Gurson is focused on both scoring goals as well as helping the Iowa Raptors continue to grow and enter new established national leagues, providing a pathway for the academy players.

Moreira enjoyed a 15-season career as a player, appearing in 301 games and posting 198 goals and 174 assists.  He played with Utica City, Milwaukee Wave, San Diego Sockers, and the St. Louis Ambush.  He won three league championships during his seven years with the Wave.  Moreira is the current head coach at Utica City FC and also has experience coaching with St. Louis Ambush and Cedar Rapids Rampage.

“We feel that we bring a well-established organization that can compete for a national title,” Gurson said. “The NPSL is a recognized league that will give our players the highest level to compete.” 

The Raptors also participate in the M2 (men’s indoor), WPSL (women’s outdoors), and PASL (women’s indoor).  The club operates a youth program called the Raptors Academy.  

Home matches will be played at Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, IA.  Supporters can visit www.iowaraptorsfc.com or follow the club on Facebook (@iaraptorsfc), Instagram (@iaraptorsfc), and Twitter (@iaraptorsfc).

“We are pleased to announce that the Iowa Raptors will join the NPSL for the 2023 season,” NPSL Director of Membership Development Dina Case said.  “The Raptors have already proven themselves to be a successful brand and business in the U.S. soccer landscape as an indoor team, and we are excited to see them have continued success and growth in the NPSL.”

More information about expansion opportunities in the NPSL can be found at npsl.com/expansion.