Hat trick by Kenan Malicevic sparks Cedar Rapids Rampage United in exhibition win

MOUNT VERNON — Throughout the preseason, the term that continued to emanate from the Cedar Rapids Rampage United locker room was, 'unfinished business.'

At first glance, it appears the second-year Premier League of America outdoor soccer club has the tools to address any perceived shortcomings from last season.

Second-year forward Kenan Malicevic scored three first-half goals as the Rampage United defeated longtime Chicago-area semipro club CKS Warta, 5-2, in the final exhibition game before the start of the PLA regular season Saturday night at Cornell College's Ash Park.

'We're all very excited,' said Malicevic, who played collegiately at Drake. 'We have a team just as good, if not even better, than we did last year. … We're ready this season to go after it.'

The club lost just once in 10 regular-season games last season, but was unceremoniously dumped in the opening game of the PLA championship tournament.

Malicevic, 29, scored the first three goals of the game for Cedar Rapids, the second off an assist from former Iowa City High prep Alejandro Pacheco. Malicevic then assisted his former Cedar Rapids Washington teammate Jacob Johnson for the final score of a 4-1 first half for the Rampage United.

'We were able to connect on a couple of passes we talked about and convert them into goals,' Malicevic said.

In the second half, Cedar Rapids Coach Hewerton Moreira was able to evaluate a host of reserves, which included current Cornell College sophomore Pietro Amado. Amado scored the only goal of the second half for the Rampage United.

'It is starting to look like a team,' Moreira said. 'It is starting to click a little bit better. … We have to be more patient every now and then, but overall the team is clicking and starting to pass to each other really well. You're starting to see the system applied in the game.'

Cedar Rapids opens the regular season May 27 at first-year PLA club Elgin Pumas, then plays the first of seven home games at Kingston Stadium June 2 against Elgin.

AT ASH PARK

Cedar Rapids Rampage United 5, CKS Warta 2

Goals — Cedar Rapids: Kenan Malicevic 3, Jacob Johnson, Pietro Amado. CKS Warta: George Kennedy, Luis Adame. Assists — Cedar Rapids:

Alejandro Pacheco, Malicevic, Tudor Livadaru.

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com