Raptors Drop Tight Match Against CCBC - Essex

Rockville, MD - The Raptors hosted the CCBC Essex Knights in a match up of conference leaders on September 20, 2022. CCBC-Essex came into the game ranked #2 in NJCAA DII and tied with the Raptors for the MDJUCO conference lead. After a tightly contested match, the visiting Knights walked away with a 3-1 and the advantage on winning the Conference title. 

The first thirty minutes were a cagy affair as both teams found their footing and explored weaknesses in their opposition. However, in the 30th minute, the Essex midfielder found space for a first time shot. The right footed strike found the top corner and gave Essex the 1-0 lead. The Raptor's responded quickly. Sophmore striker Aboul Anounkou was pulled by the Essex centerback as he attempted a shot. On the ensuing free kick, freshman free kick specialist found the back of the net to level the game at 1-1. 

Unfortunately for the Raptors, the action continued straight away. Shortly after the kickoff, the Knights found their winger behind the defense. Goalkeeper Thomas Mauro charged out to close the angle and clipped the Essex player as he attempted to round Mauro. The penalty kick gave Essex the 2-1 lead in the 33rd minute. Three minutes later a tight angle shot would find the far post and the Knight lead grew to 3-1. 

The two goal lead allowed the Knights to settle in and despite the Raptors attempts to break down the defense, MC was unable to again find the goal. The loss moves the Raptor's record to 8-2, with both losses against top 10 opponents.

Raptor Bites:

• Freshman Sota Matsuo's goal was his third goal from a free kick this season. 
• The loss snapped a seven game winning streak for the Raptors.