RoughRiders live up to name in 5-1 win over the Phantoms

VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Five unanswered goals by five different RoughRiders gave Cedar Rapids a 5-1 victory Thursday over the Youngstown Phantoms at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.

The penalty-filled USHL game included 21 infractions called in the third period.

After a scoreless opening period, the Phantoms (13-12-2, 28 points) got on the scoreboard first courtesy of Tom Serratore, but they fell for just the second time all season when netting the game’s opening tally.

With the come-from-behind win, the RoughRiders (14-12-2, 30 points) moved two points ahead of Youngstown for third place alone in the East Division.

Jefferson Dahl came into the game with the longer goal-scoring streak — five games — but Serratore extended his early in the second period when he deflected Adam Berkle’s power-play wrister past Troy Grosenick’s glove hand. Serratore’s ninth of the campaign gave him goals in four consecutive contests.

Cedar Rapids responded with goals by Nick Leppin, Eric Robinson, Jeff Costello, Stephen Collins and Justin Kovacs.

The Phantoms’ roadtrip continues this weekend with games in Green Bay, Wis., against the Gamblers on Friday and Saturday.