Report by Barbora Klímová
The Raptors ladies travelled to Švermov near Kladno where they played with one of the best teams in their league. They already came up against Švermov at the very beginning of the season and the game was very equal - the ladies lost it 0–1 - so there was a chance for a good result and the ladies were excited & prepared to take some points back home.
The pitch in Švermov was much smaller than the Raptors are used to, and even though they tried to start the game actively, it was visible that it is difficult for the ladies to face up to it. Additionally, the home team pushed them from the beginning and the Raptors defensive line had problems with catching their long passes between the centre backs and full backs. The pressing of the home team ended up with a scored goal in 11’. They added two more during the first half (in 26’ and 41’). The Ladies had some good chances to score during the first half, too, but all their efforts ended up either out of the home team's goal, or in the gloves of their goalkeeper. Half time score 3 – 0.
Despite the terrible course of the first half, the Raptors ladies did not give up. They improved a lot in the second half, especially the defensive line got better, the passes they made were more accurate and the team performance was overall more constructive which means the game became more even. However, since none of the teams scored, the final result stayed 3 – 0.
Another Lady of the Match performance for Maria Orozco, who put her safety on the line with a number of last minute saves against oncoming Švermov attackers.
The beginning of the match was a little bit crazy for the Raptors men. they conceded early, but quickly equalized again through Alex Aionitoaei. Despite the wild beginning, the Raptors managed to take more control of the game and and scored two more goals in the first half – captain Ionel David did not miss when taking penalty and three minutes later Alexandru Aionitoaei added his second. Halftime score: 3 – 1.
During the start half of the second half the visitors rallied and scored goals in 58’ and 67’ - the second the equaliser. The Raptors held their mental strength, despite quite a turbulent week and managed to grab the winner as captain Ionel David converted another penalty to give the Raptors an important victory.
The Ladies do not play next week whilst the Men travel to 6th-placed Spoje Praha on Sunday.
Ladies
Final Score: TJ Baník Švermov 3 – 0 Raptors Prague
Goals: Nedvědová, Marešková, Hejtmanská.
Raptors line-up: Orozco (GK) – Tafech, Marshall, Klímová, Gaspers – McCann – Osterthun ©, Šedivá – Vanderveken, Antonyová, Táborská. Subs: Rodgers, Davis, Koh, Pappová, Valverde Ramos, Wiedemann.
Lady of the Match: Maria Orozco.
Men's
Final Score: Raptors Prague 4 – 3 Sportovní tým při FJFI ČVUT v Praze Tralalalala
Goals: David x2, Aionitoaei x2 – Šubrt 2x, Kollert
Raptors line-up: Semrád (GK) – Gardie (48’ Hammami), Burlefinger, Orlov – Zavoianu, Pellegrini, David ©, Yassien, Balzhinimaev – Aionitoaei (83’ Da Lanca), El Mokhtary.
Man of the Match: Alex Aionitoaei