Raptors Defeat Monroe Community College to Advance to NJCAA East District Final
Rockville, MD - The Raptor's post season run continues after a 4-1 defeat of the Monroe Community College Tribunes on Saturday, October 29. The Tribunes came into the game ranked #18 in the country after recently losing the Region 3/15 Final against #3 ranked Monroe College. Well organized and playing with intent, the Raptors were able to overcome the threat and earn a spot in the East District Final against Monroe College.
The Raptors took an early lead when a long pass out of the back found attacking midfielder Andres Javitt. In space, Javitt turned and found winger Hurrich Engoue's run behind the defense. Engoue collected the ball and cooly finished the give MC the lead 15 minutes in. Near the end of the first half, the Raptors doubled their lead. Off a free kick, Sota Matsuo found Brian Noutchang near the six yard box. Noutchang collected the cross with his first touch before chipping the ball over the outrushing goalkeeper. With less than three minutes remaining in the half, the Raptors looked set to go into halftime with a 2-0. However, just a minute later, Tribune attacker Brandon Johnson found space near the top of the Raptor's box and unleashed a shot past Thomas Mauro to cut the lead to 2-1.
During the half, the Raptors regrouped and rebuilt their lead. In the 53rd minute, Brian Noutchang played a ball out of the back. Andres Javitt flicked the ball onto Abdoul Anounkou, turned, and received the ball back from Anounkou. Javitt slipped a first touch pass through the back line to Anounkou who laid the ball across the six yard box. A charging Javitt tapped home the goal for the 3-1 lead. With 20 minutes left in the game, Javitt scored again. This time, he received a pass from Kevin Gomez Blanco, took a large touch towards goal and unleashed a near post strike that beat the Tribune's goalkeeper. The Raptors would see out the 4-1 win.
The Raptors will now advance to the East District Final against Monroe, who will enter the game ranked #1 in the nation. The Raptors will travel to New Rochelle, NY for the 2:00 PM kickoff on Saturday, November 5, 2022.
Raptor Bites:
- Andres Javitt's two goals increase his total to 19. He is currently tied for second in the country in goals scored.
- Sota Matsuo's assist brings his season total to 16, good for third in the nation.
- This is the Raptor's second consecutive appearance in the NJCAA East District Final.