Raptors Kick Off Season at Carroll

Westminister, MD - After a successful 2022 season, a new-look MC Raptor's kicked off the Fall 2023 season at Carroll Community College. After transferring five sophomores to NCAA and NAIA programs, the Raptors unveiled a new lineup as they seek a third consecutive Region XX title and a return trip the the National Championship tournament. In an early season performance, the Raptors defeated Carroll 1-0 on the road.

The 2023 offseason was a busy one for the Raptors, as they transferred five key players to NCAA and NAIA soccer programs and four more contributing players graduated from MC and transferred to pursue their Bachelor Degree. In response, Coach Pedro Braz and staff hit the recruiting trail and brought in the most internationally diverse class in Raptor's history. Seventeen new players were recruited in the offseason, hailing from ten different countries. With more than 100 players attending, three additional players were identified during preseason tryouts. T

On August 22, the Raptors traveled to Carroll Community College to kick off the 2023 season while still working to build chemistry between a new group of players. Sophomore returners Ishwarpreet Singh, Jason Guevara, Brian Noutchang, and Thomas Mauro led the back line, while seven Raptors started on their debut for Montgomery College.

Against a well organized and motivated Carroll, MC controlled possession and dicated play, but struggled to combine in the final third. At the half, the score remained 0-0. In the second half the Raptors continued to dominant, with two shots cleared off the line by Carroll defenders. Just before time expired, the Raptors won a free kick in midfield. Defender Ish Singh played a ball into the box and path of Brian Noutchang. Noutchang's initial header was saved, but the rebound fell back to him inside the six and the second attempt went in for the game's only goal. 

Raptor Bites:

• The win was Head Coach Pedro Braz's 94th career win as the Head Coach of MC Men's Soccer. 
• Andreas Sanches, a transfer Sophomore, made his first appearance for the Raptors, starting in midfield.
• Six freshmen started and made their college debut: Addis Tafese (Virginia), Andres Rojas Pradilla (Colombia), Yoshuke Ono (Japan), Daniel Minhas (Canada), Kaeden Talebi (Canada), Cesare Biasci (Italy)
• Three other players made their MC and college debut as subtitutes: Jordan Sidney (Virginia), Anania Belay (Ethopia), Mutsa Young (England)