Iowa Raptors FC Defeats Sunflower State FC 3-2

By Iowa Raptors FC

In their second NPSL home game, the Iowa Raptors FC won 3-2 despite playing down a man since the 31st minute.

In the 6th minute, Sunflower State struck first with Carson Wilcox finishing after a nice steal in the Raptors’ defensive end.  The Raptors struck back in the 25th minute when Ronaldo Rojas was dragged down in the box, and Ombeni Mubake converted the penalty kick. 

Raptors defender Enrique Horna received a red card in the 31st minute.  Down a man, the Raptors took control of the match and took the lead on a beautiful ball over the top from Jordan Webb to a streaking Ronaldo Rojas.  The breakaway was finished off by Rojas in the 42nd minute to put the Raptors up 2-1. 

However, the Raptors were unable to hold the lead going into halftime after Tim Smith converted a penalty kick for Sunflower State in the 45th minute.  

After the intermission, it was a back-and-forth game for much of the second half.  The Raptors substitutes proved to be the deciding factor in the 85th minute as Angelo Oquendo controlled the ball for fellow substitute Connor Patton to smash it home.  The Raptors shored up defensively and were able to hold on for the 3-2 victory.

For Sunflower, the loss is their second of the season.  Iowa Raptors FC is back in action on Friday, June 9 for a rematch vs. Club Atletico Saint Louis (1-3).

Photos Provided by Iowa Raptors FC