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Rhinos Knock Off Carolina 1-0

2010-07-27 06:10:00

CARY, NC – The Rochester Rhinos traveled to Cary, North Carolina looking to rebound from a disappointing 3-1 loss to Puerto Rico on Saturday night. Rochester entered the night in second place in the USL Conference just four points ahead of third place Portland.

Both teams moved the ball well in the early going with neither able to generate many dangerous scoring opportunities. The 30^th minute saw the best chance to that point when Carolina’s Greg Richardson turned with the ball at his feet and labeled a shot on goal toward the bottom right corner, forcing Neil Kitson to make a diving stop to his left. Moments later Kitson once again had to be sharp, stopping Allen Russell on a turn and shoot attempt in the 36^th.

The RailHawks continued to increase the intensity as Richardson raced down the left flank crossing a ball into the middle of the field to Mark Schulte who dropped it back to Floyd Franks. Franks rifled a shot from 35 yards that hit the crossbar above a leaping Kitson as the game remained scoreless.

After second half substitutions for Rochester provided a spark early, it was Carolina’s Tiyi Shiplane who entered the game and nearly paid early dividends. Shiplane fed Daniel Paladini who immediately recoiled and nearly gave the home side a lead, just missing to the right.

Moments later however, in the 76^th minute Rochester’s Jamie Franks crossed a ball in from eighteen yards that RailHawks defender Matt Bobo’s attempted header skipped in past goalkeeper Eric Reed.

The Rhinos and Neil Kitson were able to hold off the RailHawks for the remainder if the match to pick up their ninth win of the season. For Kitson it marked his fourth shutout of the season.

The victory brought an end to the Rhinos three-game roadtrip in which they finished 2-1. The victory also moved the Rhinos (33 points) to within two points of first-place Austin (10-2-5) in the USL Conference.

Rochester returns to action on Aug. 4 to face the Portland Timbers at Marina Auto Stadium.

Rhinos Defeated by Islanders 3-1

2010-07-24 07:13:24

Team to Face RailHawks Tuesday

ROCHESTER, NY -- The Rochester Rhinos took on the Puerto Rico Islanders at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium. The Rhinos are in the middle of their three-game road trip. The Rhinos beat the Islanders in their last meeting 3-0 on June 26^th at Marina Auto Stadium.

The Rhinos wasted no time pressuring the Islanders. Aaron Pitchkolan intercepted an Islanders throw in near the corner flag on Puerto Rico’s end in the 4^th minute. He tapped the ball toward Isaac Kissi, who tried to get a foot on it toward net. Islanders’ goalkeeper Bill Gaudette stepped off his line just in time to pick the ball up away from Kissi to avoid a dangerous shot.

Rochester had a great chance in the 10^th minute, when the Islanders were called for a handball right outside the 18-yard box. Alfonso Motagalvan took the set piece, sending it in the box, but it hit the wall and right back out.

The Rhinos continued to control the majority of possession of the game. Pitchkolan blasted a shot at net in the 19^th minute that went just over the cross bar keeping it at 0-0.

The Islanders started fighting back in the 31^st minute when Logan Emory took a long throw in sending it into the Rhinos box. The ball was deflected forward causing goalkeeper Neal Kitson to go off his line. Sensing the open net, Nick Addlery, with his back to the goal, attempted a bicycle kick and blasted the ball in the back of the net to give the Islanders the lead.

Rochester had a great chance to even the score in the 45^th minute off a corner kick. Rich Costanzo took the corner kick, finding Kissi right in the front of the goal. Kissi quickly controlled the ball at his feet and kicked it in the net to tie the game at 1-1 heading into halftime.

Both teams came out looking to take the lead in the second half. Midway through the half, Pitchkolan took a man down in the box. The call was initially a non-call, but the linesman overruled the call. Pitchkolan was given a red card ejecting him out of the game and giving the Islanders a penalty kick. David Foley converted on the penalty kick, making the score 2-1 with the Rhinos playing with ten men the rest of the match.

In the 70^th minute, Chris Nurse got his second yellow, ejecting him out of the game, causing both teams to play with ten men the rest of the match.

Andrew Hoxie, looking for the equalizer in the 80^th minute, ran the ball up the right side of the field toward the Islanders box. He shot the ball toward the center, just going wide of the far post. Tyler Rosenlund kept the ball in play sending it right in front of the goal line, but it went straight to Gaudette.

In the 87^th minute, Puerto Rico took control of the ball advancing up the field quickly. Kendall Jadgeosingh got the breakaway causing Kitson to come off his line as two Rhinos defenders tried to get back. Kitson dove for the ball, but missed allowing Jadgeosingh to score on an open net to make the score 3-1.

Jadgeosingh had another breakaway three minutes later. Kitson came off his line yet again to stop him. This time he was able to get a piece of Jadgeosingh and the ball, causing a foul, but preventing another goal.

The Puerto Rico Islanders went on to beat the Rochester Rhinos 3-1. Rochester falls to 8-5-6 while Puerto Rico increases to 6-7-5.

The Rhinos will finish their three-game road trip Tuesday against the Carolina Railhawks. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Rhinos Edge Tampa Bay in Stoppage Time

2010-07-22 08:01:54

ROCHESTER, NY – The Rochester Rhinos traveled to Tampa, Florida looking to regain momentum after having their eight game unbeaten streak snapped last Saturday. The match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies was the first meeting of the season between the two sides and the first of a three-game road trip over the next week.

The first 25 minutes of play did not witness much danger from either team looking to score. The Rowdies Takuya Yamada saw a cross come his way in the 12^th minute but his header was high over the crossbar. Both teams looked to control possession of the ball in a defensive minded match. The first thirty minutes of play saw neither team get a shot on net as the two teams came out cautiously.

With a minute remaining in the first half of play the two teams threatened. Joe Donoho’s header forced Scott Vallow to be sharp to make the save. Minutes later Rochester’s Anthony Hamilton forced a shot high and just over the crossbar. Neither opportunity could be converted as the score remained tied at 0-0 at the half.

Tampa Bay was able to generate some scoring potential in the 55^th minute when Long Tan turned from 25 yards missing high and again in the 63^rd when Tan found the ball at his feet inside the 18’ but again missed high.

In the 80^th minute it seemed as though the Rhinos would gain the advantage when Andrew Hoxie chested down a pass and turned on Rob Valentino putting his shot into the net. The goal however was recalled as Hoxie was ruled offside keeping the game scoreless.

Tampa pressured late in the match with a shot by Jeremy Christie resulting in a Rowdie corner kick. On the ensuing corner kick the Rhino defense needed to be sharp to clear out a dangerous challenge keeping the match tied.

In stoppage time the Rhinos would take advantage of a Tampa Bay mistake by Rowdie ‘keeper Daryl Sattler off a corner kick. Hoxie took a short corner kick and dribbled his way around the Tampa defense, eluded Sattler and fed Isaac Kissi for his third goal of the season.

Tampa could not convert a late corner kick opportunity as Rochester held of the home side for an important three points. The win improves Rochester to 8-4-6 on the season and the club will travel to Puerto Rico on Saturday. Kickoff for the match will be at 8:05 p.m. from Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Rhinos Fall at Home to Carolina

2010-07-14 21:42:43

ROCHESTER, NY – The Rochester Rhinos, unbeaten in their last eight matches looked to improve on their recent slump which had seen them finish with two straight scoreless draws.

Carolina, which has gone 2-0-5 in their last seven against Rochester, tallied the first goal of the match in the 13^th minute. Josh Gardner found himself inside the Rhinos eighteen before crossing a low pass to Sallieu Bundu who right-footed a shot past Neil Kitson for an early
1-0 lead. The goal snapped a 180 minute scoreless streak for Kitson.

Moments later Rochester Alfonso Motagalvan had an open look from 25 yards but his left-footed attempt sailed just wide. Rochester stepped up its pressure on the RailHawk defense, creating opportunities but couldn’t manage to put one in the net. Rochester’s best chance came in the 35^th minute when Motagalvan fired a pass into the box to Anthony Hamilton. Hamilton was able to turn but with a defender hanging from him sent his shot wide.

Rochester had chances to begin the second half with Hamilton and Tyler Rosenlund unable to beat Eric Reed, but despite this controlled the pace of play for much of the match. In the 69^th minute Ryan Heins maneuvered his way for a cross into the box that Frankie Sanfilippo got a head on but Reed made the save.

The 84^th minute saw the RailHawks nearly put the game away when Floyd Franks, left unmarked, just inside the 18 blast a shot wide of the goal leaving the Rhinos down a goal. Rochester has a chance to equalize in the 90^th minute as a free kick was awarded at the top of the Carolina 18. After Isaac Kissi’s initial shot was blocked the rebound was sent wide by Rich Costanzo.

Rochester wasn’t able to crack the scoreboard before the end of regulation dropping the club to 7-4-6 on the season. Rochester will next be in action on Thursday, July 22 when they travel to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7:30 p.m. from George Steinbrenner Field.

Rhinos and Crystal Palace End Scoreless

2010-07-13 07:00:52

ROCHESTER, NY – The Rochester Rhinos, unbeaten in their last seven matches traveled to take on Crystal Palace Baltimore on Wednesday night. Rochester and CP Baltimore had split the previous two matches against each other, both coming at Marina Auto Stadium in Rochester.

This time the match was played at the Maryland Soccerplex in Boyd’s Maryland. Rochester was without midfielder Aaron Pitchkolan who was sitting out the match after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season last week against Austin and Tino Nunez who was injured during the Austin match.

Crystal Palace Baltimore missed an early opportunity to take the lead when awarded a free kick in the first half. Their first of the evening just missed as Tsuyoshi Yoshitake hit the crossbar behind Rhinos ‘keeper Neil Kitson just nine minutes after kickoff. Kitson later made a diving save on Randi Patterson keeping the match scoreless. In the 36^th minute Rochester dodged another bullet as CP Baltimore’s Neto missed a free kick opportunity wide resulting in a corner kick. The free kick was the result of a yellow card caution against Rhinos Defender Troy Roberts. Fellow defender Jonathan Greenfield was awarded a caution earlier in the match and five Rhinos in total were booked.

After a scoreless first stanza, the 53^rd minute saw a cutting Rich Costanzo unleash a right-footed shot that nearly caught Crystal Palace goalie Evan Bush off guard, just missing wide. Neither team generated any consistent pressure for most of the match however Kitson needed to be sharp in the 63^rd minute intercepting a Patterson cross. With the rebound falling to the feet of Matthew Mbuta, Kitson, again blocked Mbuta’s shot.

Late substitute Anthony Hamilton had a look with 13 minutes remaining in the match but his shot went wide. The Rhinos would get a break in the 83^rd minute when Randi Patterson was sent off for a dangerous tackle, going in recklessly against Alfonso Motagalvan. The Rhinos were not able to take advantage of being a man up as the match ended in a scoreless draw.

With the tie, Rochester extends its unbeaten streak to eight matches and will return home this Saturday when they take on the Carolina RailHawks at Marina Auto Stadium. Kick off for the match is slated for 7:00 p.m. with Joe Giuliano and Mike Kirmse calling the action.

RHINOS TRAINING SCHEDULE FOR JULY 15-17

Thur., July 15 - travel from Baltimore

Fri., July 16 - 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. training at Marina Auto Stadium

Sat., July 17 - 7:00 p.m. – match vs. Carolina RailHawks at Marina Auto Stadium (radio: Sports Radio 950 ESPN; live video streaming: www.Rhinossoccer.tv).

Rhinos Owner Looking to Bring Back Lacrosse

2010-07-09 17:54:12

MLL Would Add to Expanding Schedule of Events at MAS

ROCHESTER, NY – In an effort to bring more events to Rochester’s Marina Auto Stadium, Rochester Rhinos owner and CEO Rob Clark announced today that he is actively pursuing a Major League Lacrosse team which would begin play at the Stadium for the 2011 season. Clark, in his third year as owner of the Rhinos pro soccer club, helped bring an MLL regular season game to Marina Auto Stadium last month when the Chicago Machine played the Denver Outlaws.

“Last month’s game proved that Rochester is supportive of both soccer and lacrosse” said Rhinos CEO an owner Rob Clark. “I am committed to showcasing the highest caliber sports teams to our community, not just the Rochester Rhinos, who have never missed the playoffs in their 15 year history, but starting a new winning tradition with a lacrosse team featuring the best players in the world.”

Rochester was home to Major League Lacrosse’s Rochester Rattlers from 2001 to 2008. The team left the Flower City and relocated to Toronto after winning the Steinfeld Cup (the league’s championship trophy) during their final season in Rochester in 2008.

Under the guidance of Clark, Adirondack Sports Club LLC, the organization that owns and operates the Rhinos has secured a number of new events to be played at Marina Auto Stadium. In addition to Major League Lacrosse the organization hosted the first Indoor Football League game played outdoors.

The “Courage Bowl,” the annual football game between St. John Fisher College and the University of Rochester, which honors children at “Camp Good Days and Special Times,” announced earlier this year that Marina Auto Stadium will now host the match. The celebrated pigskin matchup had previously kicked off at alternating campuses of the two participants.

In 2010, Marina Auto Stadium will once again be the home of the Drum Corps Associates World Championship on Labor Day Weekend (September 3-5) and will continue to be the home of Section V High School Football Playoff and New York State High School Football Playoff games. The club is actively reaching out locally to host more Section V Athletic events at the stadium in the coming months.

Rhinos Play Austin to Scoreless Draw

2010-07-06 08:11:33

ROCHESTER, NY – Two of the USSF D2 Pro League’s top teams met at Marina Auto Stadium on Friday night when the Rochester Rhinos hosted the Austin Aztex. Austin entered the match leading the league in wins (9), points (31) and goals (28), while the Rhinos put their six-game unbeaten streak on the line.

After heavy rains before the match made for slippery conditions to start, the Aztex generated the first scoring opportunity in the 23^rd minute. After a series of give-and-go’s Max Griffin, the USSF D2 Player of the Month for June, found himself at the corner of the box ten yards out. Trying to let a left-footed blast go, Rochester’s Neil Kitson was better making a diving stop to his right.

Neither team seemed to be able to get settled although Austin did earn a corner kick in the 35^th but the ball was cleared out by a Tyler Bellamy header.

The second half saw Austin create some opportunities but the best of the early going was a shot by Griffin in the 70^th minute that Kitson was sharp to stop on a diving save to his right. Rochester’s best chance of the second half came in the 77^th minute when Isaac Kissi crossed the ball into the box to Tyler Rosenlund who fired the ball of the crossbar.

The Rhinos nearly took the advantage in the 89^th minute when Austin netminder Miguel Gallardo dropped a shot and Max Ferdinand jumped on the loose ball. Ferdinand’s shot was on goal but blocked by an Aztec defender. Another great opportunity for the Rhinos was spoiled as Rosenlund missed an open opportunity. After working a give-and-go inside the box Rosenlund found himself on the opposite side of the net where his shot went just wide. Minutes later Alfonso Motagalvan headed a cross to Issac Kissi who nearly connected on an attempted scissors-kick with time running out.

After ending in a scoreless draw the Rhinos record comes to 7-3-5 and they will take on Crystal Palace Baltimore on July 14^th from UMBC Stadium at 7:00 p.m.

Listen to Jonathan Greenfield Tonight

2010-07-05 07:26:32

Rhinos defender Jonathan Greenfield will be a guest on Soccer is a Kick in the Grass this week. You can hear him tonight on Soccer is a Kick in the Grass with Joe Sirianni and Andrew Battisti from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on FM Talk 92.1 and News Power 1040-AM WYSL Radio.

LANCERS TO HOLD REUNION NIGHT AT MARINA AUTO STADIUM

2010-07-03 19:57:19

ROCHESTER, NY - The Rochester Rhinos will honor the Rochester Lancers and celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the club’s North American Soccer League (NASL) Championship in 1970 when they host the Miami FC Blues on Saturday, August 21^st at Marina Auto Stadium. The celebration weekend will conclude on Sunday, August 22 with a luncheon featuring members of the Rochester Lancers Alumni at the Italian American Sports Club located at 1250 Buffalo Road in Gates.

The Lancers, Rochester’s original professional soccer team, played its matches as a member of the American Soccer League from 1967 to 1969. After jumping to the NASL in 1970, the club captured its first and only league title, while playing its home matches at Aquinas Stadium, later renamed Holleder Memorial Stadium. The club was led by Carlos Meditieri, a Brazilian striker who captured NASL Most Valuable Player honors following both the 1970 and 1971 seasons. He was the only player in league history to capture the honor twice.

The roster of Lancer alumni who will be attending the 40^th anniversary celebration is as follows:

Ernie Alo (1967-68)                        Jim May (1975-1977)
Jack Brand (1977-80)                    Charlie Mitchell (1969-75)
Frank Caricchico (1967-68)             Carlos Metidieri (1970-73)
Nelson Cupello (1975-80)                Jim Pollihan (1976-80)
Enzo DiPede (1980)                        Frank Odoi (1970-1978)
Leo Dowleck (1969)                        Omero Paris (1967-1968)
Eli Durante (1971-75)                     Jim Pollihan (1976-1980)
Pat Ercoli (1978-80)                       Don Popovic (coach - 1976-1799)|
Francisco Escos (1971-78)              Branco Segota (1979-1980)
Mauro Felipe (1967-1968)               Manfred Seissler (1971-74)
Louis Fernando (1967-1968)            Mike Stojanovic (1976-1980)
George Gibbs (1974-1975)               Frank Tata (1967-1968)
Don Lalka (1967-1968)                   Charlie Williams (1969)
Tito Laurini (1967-1968)                 Dick Howard (1970-71)
Sal DeRosa (coach 1970-71,73)       Mike Bakic (1977)

Rhinos Lose Heartbreaker in Stoppage Time

2010-06-29 01:53:15

Club Returns Home to Face Montreal on Saturday

COLUMBUS, OH- The Rochester Rhinos took on the Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium in Ohio in the third round of play in the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament. Riding a seven game unbeaten streak, Rochester looked to continue its tournament success. Rochester’s hopes for Open Cup glory came to a shocking end however as playing a man down the Rhinos watched a s Stephen Lenhart tallied the game-winner in stoppage time to send the Crew on and the Rhinos home.

Playing somewhat cautious to start, Columbus nearly struck first in the ninth minute when Emmanuel Ekpo’s header toward a wide open net missed just wide. Rochester’s Anthony Hamilton and Tyler Rosenlund has a pair of looks early but couldn’t connect for the Rhinos as the two sides looked to strike first.

In the 30^th minute it was Columbus who struck first when Andy Iro converted a corner kick to put Columbus up 1-0. Eddie Gavin’s corner was well placed into the box and Iro fought his way through the Rhino defense going high to head the ball past Scott Vallow to his right. The goal was the first allowed by Rochester in Open Cup play this season.

After ending the first half down a goal, Rochester began the second half with a sense of energy, getting the equalizer in the 69^th minute. Second half substitute Darren Spicer converted a feed from Frankie Sanfilippo to tie the score at one.

Rochester was dealt a major blow in the 83^rd minute when Rhinos midfielder Aflonso Motagalvan was given a questionable red card on a challenge against a Brian Carroll.

With the match looking like it was going to overtime a breakdown in the Rhinos end led to the game-winning goal in stoppage time for the Crew’s Stephen Lenhart. A long service into the Rhinos box was headed down by Sanfilippo to the feet of Lenhart. Lenhart then, running on to the ball, lofted it to the right of a diving Vallow to give Columbus a 2-1 lead with seconds remaining. Rochester used the remaining seconds to put a scare into Crew fans as off a restart Aaron Pithckolan got a piece of the ball which just missed a diving Sanfilippo.

The Rhinos will return to action on Saturday, July 3^rd when they host the Montreal Impact at Marina Auto Stadium at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the match are on sale the Pace Windows and Doors box office located at Marina Auto Stadium.