Tropics fall in Cedar Rapids, look forward to seven-game homestand at Lakeland Center

Cedar Rapids scored just 30 seconds into the game Saturday afternoon, and the Florida Tropics SC could never recover in falling 13-2 to the Rampage, splitting their Major Arena Soccer League weekend road trip.

Fortunately for Florida, the team will get a big dose of home cooking, starting with a visit by the Dallas Sidekicks next weekend, the first of seven straight games at the Lakeland Center.

Florida trailed 6-2 at intermission, getting goals from Marco Rodriguez, which briefly cut the hosts lead to 2-1 in the first quarter, and Anthony Arico in the second quarter which cut the Rampage advantage to 4-2. But that was as close as the Tropics -- who have played seven of their first 10 games on the road – would get.

In fact, Cedar Rapids, now 8-2 and leading the central division, went on to score nine unswered goals in handing the Tropics their most lopsided loss of the season, one night after Florida surprised the Kansas City Comets, 8-7. That win snapped a four-game Tropics losing streak. The Rampage have now won seven in a row.

Howerton Moreira had four goals and three assists, including a goal just 2:30 into the third quarter which continued the Rampage assault. Arico also had an assist for a two-point night.

Florida, 3-7,will be back at the Lakeland Center Friday against the Dallas Sidekicks. Kickoff is at 7:35. The St. Louis Ambush will visit for a double header, with games Jan. 13 and 15. The Tropics won't be on the road again now until Feb. 24. Tickets for all home games are available at www.fltropics.com, or by calling 863-333-5353. All Tropics games home and away are also broadcast free online at www.masl.tv.