It's been well over a month since the Roosevelt Roughriders lost a soccer game in regulation time , and the overflowing Cownie Stadium witnessed a firecracker of a match Friday night. In the Des Moines derby between the top two Metro programs , to decide the 2017 Metro title , chances were exchanged with thrust and parry on a slick, fast-playing natural grass surface that did high school soccer justice.

The energy and enthusiasm of the contest , not to mention the electric pace of the speed of play, was absolutely pulsating, but dead-even until senior, Eddy Fernandes , broke the deadlock in the 68th minute off a clever cross from the always dangerous senior, Ali Lula. It was a fair result as the Riders held the slight advantage in possession and territory, despite surrendering several great opportunities to the higher-ranked Rails early and late, as Lincoln hit the outside of the post with only a minute remaining in the game. Once again the back 4 of Jack Heston, Nick Schnack , Bei Tha and Cristian Tevara were impregnable and gave junior , Edwin Garcia yet another shutout on the season.

The man of the match , however, was junior , Tumaini Mwangangi who was a bustling dynamo in the heart of the midfield; nearly flawless in possession , relentless and harrying in recovery, all-around outstanding. Roosevelt now stands at 10-4 , is the Metro champion, unanimously so if they take care of business against Hoover on Thursday .They regroup Tuesday for the Hawks of Ankeny for Senior Night, kickoff at 7 pm.