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USL Rochester Rhinos

First Place Rhinos Visit Charlotte Going for 20 in a Row Without Defeat

July 30, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


Rochester, NY - The Rochester Rhinos play on the road for the only time in the month of August this Saturday night against the host Charlotte Independence in a United Soccer League (USL) match at Ramblewood Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm ET. This is the second and final meeting of the USL regular season between the two teams, the first being a 0-0 draw on July 18th at Sahlen's Stadium.

The first place Rhinos are the only unbeaten pro soccer team in the USA, with a current club record 19 match league unbeaten streak to start the season (12-0-7, 43 points) and a 2-0-1 record in the US Open Cup. Charlotte is currently 5-6-5 for 20 points, which is good for ninth place in the USL Eastern Conference. The Independence have done well at home in their inaugural season, sporting a 5-2-2 mark (fourth best in the East).

The Rhinos' defense has been outstanding in 2015, with 13 shutouts to their credit and letting in just six goals in 19 league matches, with just 2 goals allowed in their last 10 outings. The back line is anchored by fourth year keeper Brandon Miller, who leads the USL with a 0.22 goals against average and 10 shutouts in 13 full matches played. Charlotte also has a stout defense that is tied for third in the USL with 18 goals allowed.

Offensively, the Rhinos are paced by Christian Volesky with six goals and one assist, Steevan Dos Santos with six goals, Alex Dixon and Jonny Mendoza with three goals apiece and Tony Walls with two goals and two assists. Charlotte's leading scorer Jorge Herrera (three goals and five assists) has missed the last three Independence matches due to injury, but could potentially return for Saturday's contest. Other Charlotte offensive players to watch are Ryan Finley (four goals and one assist) and current USL Team of the Week member Alex Martinez.

The Rhinos hosted Charleston in their most recent match on July 25 and dominated on both sides of the ball, winning for the seventh time in eight home matches, 1-0 on a sublime 10th minute back heel from Dos Santos off a Walls' cross. The Independence won for the first time in five matches on Saturday, knocking off FC Montreal 2-0 on goals from Daniel Jackson (30') and Martinez (86') and a clean sheet from keeper Matt Lampson.

After Saturday's contest, the Rhinos will play their next 4 matches on home turf at Sahlen's Stadium, beginning on Sunday, August 9 at 5:05 pm against the Richmond Kickers. Tickets for all Rhinos home matches, including flex packages and group sales tickets, are also currently on sale and can be purchased by calling (585) 454-KICK (5425), online via Ticketmaster, by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium during business hours or by visiting rhinossoccer.com .

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