CEDAR RAPIDS GETTING NEW SEMI-PRO SOCCER TEAM

The Cedar Rapids Rampage was a minor league indoor soccer team that played at Cedar Rapids’ U.S. Cellular Center. Given how fast its short but exciting stint from 2015-18 came and went, it’s interesting to hear the city is trying it again.

According to Iowa’s News Now, the Iowa Raptors FC is now the second United Soccer League (USL) team in Iowa, along with the Des Moines Menace. The Gazette says the USL is considered a “pre-professional” league, giving players opportunities to show what they can do for a chance at a higher level of play.

Adrian Grodzki is one of the owners and said, “our goal is to bring the highest level of soccer into Cedar Rapids.”He went on to call it a chance for players to get noticed by MLS (Major League Soccer).

Right now, the team is playing an exhibition season without fans in attendance due to the pandemic. They hope to gain some traction and publicity before they start the official season in 2021. Semi-pro soccer didn’t last long the last time it came to Cedar Rapids. Here’s hoping this new venture with a very community-minded goal, according to team leadership, will be something fans will get a kick out of.

Cornell College coach Nate Grosse will be at the helm and their current home venue is slated to be K. Raymond Clark Field at Coe. The regular season is scheduled to run from April to August. Ticket details and more info can be found on their website.

They will join the mix with the Cedar Rapids Inferno Indoor Soccer Club.