Raptors Back in the Win Column

Brittany Spies-Hunt (#8)

The Albion Raptors battled from halftime deficit to beat the Cobras FC by a score of 2-1 Thursday night.

The Raptors came out with a strong first half, creating many scoring opportunities, they just weren't able to capitalize. Their best chance of the half off of a cross from Abby Scanlan, which just missed Elisa Bropst on the back post. While the Raptor's defense was able to limit the Cobras offense, they were able to get on the board first, after an unlucky bounce off a free kick went over goalkeeper, Kailey Merrill.

Despite starting the second half down a goal, Albion kept their energy high. The first thirty minutes was very back and forth, but the Raptors back line played solid, and along with one big diving save from Merrill, they were able to keep the deficit at one. It wasn't until the final 15 of the half when Albion earned their equalizer. Scanlan worked to win the ball in the attacking third, beating two Cobras defenders to get a shot off at the top of the 18. The Cobras keeper made the initial save off her foot, but Claire Squicciarini was charging into the box to clean up the rebound, blasting a shot into the net. Not long after that, it was Scanlan who scored the game-winner. Aly Knaak put a ball up high to Scanlan, who hit the ball one time for a side volley over the Cobras keeper.

The Raptors will compete in the Fairport U17 Tournament this weekend, starting on Saturday at 8:00 AM against the Stormers (Center Park West) and 1:00 PM against the Fairport Flash (Martha Middle School). Sunday they will face off against Lakefront SC at 10:30 AM (Minerva Deland), the championship game will take place at 2:15 PM at Center Park West.