Raptors Overcome Slow Start to Defeat Cecil

North East, MD - The MC Raptors defeated the Cecil College Seahawks 8-3 in an MDJUCO conference match on September 27. Despite a slow start, the Raptors were able to take control of the game in the second half and put the Seahawks away for their eight conference win of the season. 

On a cool, dry afternoon, the Seahawks began quickly, scoring a goal in the first minute of the game. The Raptors struck even in the 18th minute, with sophomore Andres Javitt scoring off an assist from sophomore Brayan Murillo. The tie would be short lived as in the 28th minute, the Seahawks again snuck behind the Raptors back line and scored a second goal and take a 2-1 lead into half time. 

The Raptors immediately restored the tie after the half time whistle, with Javitt again scoring, this time assited by sophomore Deric Pocasangre. In the 54th minute, Pocasangre would give the Raptors a short lived lead, scoring off an assist from sophomore Sota Matsuo. The Seahawks scored shortly after the restart, with a poor turnover by the Raptors giving the Seahawks an easy finish to tie the game 3-3. 

From there, the Raptors would dominate. Sophomore Abdoul Anounkou would score twice in the 61st and 68th minutes. Poscasangre would add another in the 69th minute. Anounkou would complete his hat trick in the 82nd minute and freshman Kevin Blanco Gomez would score in the 88th minute to complete the 8-3 win. 

The Raptors next take on CCBC-Catonsville on Saturday, October 1 at the MC Soccer Stadium in Rockville. 

Raptor Bites:

• Anounkou's hat trick gives him the overall lead in NJCAA Division I, overtaking teammate Andres Javitt as the nation's top scorer.
• The win is the first Raptors victory this season when losing at half time.