Cedar Rapids have maintained their perfect start to the USHL season, edging past Dubuque Fighting Saints 4:5 in a high-scoring contest on Sunday evening. The result leaves the visitors still top of the table with five wins from five games, while the hosts remain fourth with two victories and two defeats.
There were no period breakdowns or specific goals to reference, but the final score tells its own story. Dubuque, who had lost 3:6 to Waterloo the previous night, clearly gave their best effort. Cedar Rapids, who also beat Dubuque 5:2 in their earlier meeting on September 27th, showed they could respond after drawing 5:2 with Sioux City on the same day as that previous fixture.
The standings tell you little at this stage — both teams sit on zero points in the official table, which simply reflects the early calendar. What matters more is the pattern: Cedar Rapids have not lost in five games, while Dubuque have now dropped two of four. The gap between them remains theoretical rather than substantial.
Dubuque's recent form has been mixed. They beat Lincoln 6:3 and Tri-City 4:3 in September, but losses to Muskegon 6:1 and Waterloo 3:6 suggest inconsistency. Cedar Rapids meanwhile have won every game they have played — Chicago 5:0, Sioux City 5:2, Dubuque twice, and Tri-City 4:2.
The result means Cedar Rapids continue to set the pace, even if the table cannot yet confirm it. Dubuque will look to regroup after another defeat to the league leaders, while the visitors already know what it takes to stay ahead.
