Rhinos Head West For a Pair

American author and politican Horace Greeley was not referring to the Rochester Rhinos when he popularized the phrase "Go west young man" but that is exactly what the Rhinos will do this week when they travel to take on the Portland Timbers, on Thursday, May 14 and the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, May 16, in a pair of USL First Division matches. 

Rochester enters the two game swing, unbeaten in their last four matches, and on a three-game winning streak.  Last Saturday Rochester earned a 2-1 win at Montreal, a place where they have won just twice prior in their history.  Rochester's ten points places them in second place with Carolina, just one point behind table leader and defending league champion Vancouver.  Striker Johnny Menyongar leads the club offensively with three goals, however Rochester has  benefitted from a balanced attack with five players having produced seven goals this season, a mark that is tied for the league best with Vancouver.  Menyongar is tied with Vancouver's Marlon James for the league lead with three goals and is also atop the leader board with six points. 

Despite scoring just two goals this season, Portland (1-1-2, 4 points), has allowed just one goal in four matches and brings a streak of 297 straight minutes without allowing a goal into the match.  Steve Cronin is in goal for Portland with a 0.50 goals against average.   Thursday's match will kick-off at 11:00 p.m. and be televised live of the Fox Soccer Channel (Time Warner Cable Channel 212)

Vancouver (3-1-2, 10 points) is led offensively by James who has recorded three goals this season, while former Rhinos Martin Nash and Charles Gbeke each have a goal and an assist thus far.  Jay Nolly started in goal for the Whitecaps in all six matches, recording shutouts in three of them.  He leads all USL-1 goalkeepers in all major statistical categories through the first six games of the season.  Saturday's match at Vancouver kicks-off at 10:00 p.m.