USL-1 Rochester Rhinos

Rhinos Ready To Open Regular Season Slate

April 13, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


(Rochester, NY)... The Rochester Rhinos will wrap up preseason play on Tuesday night from Rochester Rhinos Stadium. The club, has recorded a 4-0-3 mark thus far and will take on the University of Buffalo in their final tune-up match beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Rochester's 14th season of play will officially kick off on Saturday, April 18th from WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. at 7:00 p.m. In 13 previous opening day starts, the Rhinos have posted a 5-6-2 (including one shoot loss) record including a 3-3 mark away from home. 2009 marks the fifth consecutive season in which the Rhinos have begun the regular season on the road and the longest road stretch to begin a season (eight games). The previous record for consecutive road matches played was in 2006 when stadium construction forced Rochester to open the season with seven straight away from home.

Rochester's 20-player roster includes 12 players, including team MVP Johnny Menyongar, who return from the 2008 squad that came within a game of reaching the USL-1 finals. Among this year's squad is Mike Ambersley, who returns to Rochester after spending the 2008 season in Atlanta. He was a member of the Rhinos during the 2006-07 seasons.

Saturday's match will mark the second regular season match for the RailHawks who played the Minnesota Thunder to a 2-1 victory last Saturday. Two former Rhinos, Hamed Diallo and Luke Kreamalmeyer now wear a Carolina uniform. The two teams tied all three matches played last season while Rochester owns a 2-0-4 record all-time.

FANTAUZZO NOMINATED FOR FRONTIER FIELD WALK OF FAME

Rochester Rhinos President of Business Operations Salvatore "Soccer Sam" Fantauzzo is a nominee for the Class of 2009 Frontier Field Walk of Fame. Fantauzzo is currently in his second season in a management role for the Rhinos in 2009 and his first as President of Business Operations. Previously, "Soccer Sam" has filled such roles with the Rhinos as Assistant to the General Manager, Director of Marketing, Advertising Sales Executive and Broadcaster.

A native of Rochester, NY, he is best known in soccer circles as being the co-host of his own Soccer Radio Show "Kick This" the longest running year-round soccer radio show in the United States which airs every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK. In addition, he has hosted the "Soccer Sam" TV show featuring news and highlights of Rhinos, USL, MLS and local soccer matches.

Fans can vote until Friday, April 17th at www.frontierfield.org



USL First Division Stories from April 13, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central