The RDYSL Champions, Raptors FC, finished their season on a high note, defeating runner up Gananda by a score of 3-2 Tuesday night.
The Raptors and the Bandits traded back scoring opportunities all throughout the first half as the Raptors took some time to get their feet under them. Gananda would get on the scoreboard first about halfway through the first half. After some traffic in the box, the Raptors couldn't get the ball cleared, and the Gananda midfielder came through for a quick shot upper ninety. The Raptors would answer back though in the final minutes to head into halftime tied at one. Ella Fadale won possession just over half, and sent a perfectly weighted through ball into to Abby Scanlan. Scanlan ran in to goal for the breakaway, beating the challenging Gananda goalkeeper far post.
The Raptors came out to start the second half explosive, scoring two goals early to take a 3-1 lead and put Gananda on their heels. Scanlan was first to increase the lead with an assist from Nikki Creasey. Creasey won the ball up her sideline and split two of Gananda's defenders with a pass to Scanlan's feet. Scanlan hit a beautiful shot from 30 yards out to give the Raptors the one goal lead. Creasey would score the eventual game winning goal not long after that. Creasey created a great scoring opportunity and forced the Gananda goalkeeper to parry her shot for a Raptors' corner kick. Creasey lined up to take the corner and played a driven ball into the box. Claire Squicciarini made the initial win and then it was Aly Knaak who kept possession. Knaak beat her defender and played a pass out wide to Creasey who was rejoining the play. Creasey lined up her shot from outside, striking a perfectly placed shot over the Gananda goalkeeper for an upper ninety, far post finish. Gananda was able to come back within one late in the half, off a free kick set play that they finished at the far post.
Sydney Mulka earned the win in net for the Raptors, making multiple big saves in the first and second halves to keep the Raptors in the game. The backline of Squicciarini, Knaak, Aurora Serafin, Lily Miller, guest player Lilly Lashomb, and guest player Bianca Brumsted played a solid game, starting play from the back and keeping Gananda's offense out of the box.
The Raptors FC finish their RDYSL U19 DII 2022 season in first place with a 9-1 record. They lead the league in goals for with 39, shutouts with 5, and had the fewest goals against with 9. Scanlan lead the Raptors offense with 31 points, Maija Young accumulated 15, and Creasey and Fadale tied for third most points with 14 each.
Thanks to all our fans and followers for following along with us this season, be sure to check back for updates on our Raptors heading into their respective high school and college seasons this Fall.
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