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USL Rochester Rhinos

Big Game Early for the Rhinos

May 8, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


The Rochester Rhinos will be taking on the defending USL PRO champion Orlando City Lions this Saturday, May 10th at 7:05pm in Rochester, NY at Sahlen's Stadium.

Rochester is unbeaten in their last five matches. After losing the first game of the season to Orlando 3:1 on April 5th, they have since tied Dayton 1:1 on April 11th, had two shutout victories, and two draws. The two clean sheets were against the Chicago Fire Reserves (2:0) on April 21st and against the Charleston Battery (1:0) on April 27th. The last two draws were against the Richmond Kickers (1:1) and the Wilmington Hammerheads (0:0).

"We have made big strides defensively in the past four games." Rhinos head coach Bob Lilley said. "I also feel we are doing a better job taking care of the ball."

Rochester has the best defensive record in USL PRO with five goals conceded. After conceding three goals in their season opening loss in Orlando, the Rhinos have a 0.40 goals against average in the past five matches. Rookie goalkeeper John McCarthy, left back Onua Thomas Obasi, center backs Kyle Hoffer and Tony Walls, and right back Pat McMahon have not conceded a goal in 270 minutes played. McCarthy leads USL PRO in shut outs with three.

"The good form defensively is a credit to all 11 players on the field." said Lilley. "I also feel that there is more familiarity with the group as we get more games under or belts. Tony Walls and Kyle Hoffer have formed a good partnership in the center back positions."

The Rhinos have a new arrival in forward/midfielder Levi Houapeu. He comes to Rochester after some time with the Baltimore Blast (MISL) and the Philadelphia Union (MLS). Houapeu was selected 41st overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by Philadelphia. At the University of Maryland - Baltimore County (UMBC) he was extremely successful after holding the national scoring title and leading NCAA Division I in points per game (2.15).

Orlando City is tied at the top of the USL PRO table with LA Galaxy II a quarter of the way into the 2014 season. Orlando is currently 5-0-2 after seven games. They are coming off of a big 3-1 home victory over OKC this past Sunday May 4th. Orlando remains unbeaten this season, only having draws with Charleston and Pittsburgh at the beginning of the season. They have scored 14 goals which puts them tied for 2nd overall in the league. 2012 USL PRO MVP Kevin Molino leads the team with four goals and four assists, and he is the early favorite to win his second MVP award in 2014.

Rochester enters the match 0-7-1 against City all-time in the regular season, and they remain the only club that the Rhinos have never defeated. Rochester hosts Orlando City for the final time on Sunday, July 27th before the Lions are promoted to Major League Soccer for the 2015 season.

Tickets for any match on the Rhinos home schedule will be available by by calling (585)454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or by visiting ticketmaster.com. Rochester Rhinos season tickets, flex packages and group ticket sales are also currently available.

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