Florida Tropics SC hold on for 6-5 homeopening win over Cedar Rapids

LAKELAND, Fla. – In a game reminiscent of last year's home opener, the Florida Tropics defeated Cedar Rapids, 6-5 Saturday night at the RP Funding Center.

Exactly one year ago to the day, the Tropics opened their expansion season at home with a 6-5 win over San Diego, rallying from a fourth-quarter 4-1 deficit. Against the Rampage, it was the Tropics who held a fourth quarter 4-1 lead, only to see Cedar Rapids score three times in a span of 2:19 to tie it.

But goals by Lucas Teixeira at 9:22 and the game winner from Ricardo Diegues, his second of the night at 11:03, provided the margin of victory. The Tropics also got goals from Mauricio Salles, his fifth in three games, Freddy Moojen, Lucas Montelares.

Cedar Rapids got goals from five different scorers including Gordy Gurson, Pablo De Silva, Osvaldo Rojas, Taylor Bond and Alencar Ventura Jr.

The Rampage outshot the Tropics 34-33. Florida goalkeeper Piotr Sliwa picked up his second win of the year, making 10 saves.

Florida improves to 2-1 on the season, and will host the two-time defending Baltimore Blast next Saturday on Sykes Field at the RP Funding Center. Kickoff is at 7:30. Cedar Rapids, after dropping three tough games on the road, including a one-goal loss in Baltimore last night, will finally have its home opener on Nov. 18 when they host the Harrisburg Heat.