Miami FC Takes on the Rochester Rhinos as They Relive the Legacy of the NASL
Published on August 20, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, Aug 20, 2010- Miami FC travels further north to take on the first-place Rochester Rhinos in a match where both clubs will pay tribute to the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Saturday, Aug. 21 at Marina Auto Stadium. Game time is set for a 7 p.m.
"We know we have another extremely tough challenge ahead of us. We just have to keep improving our soccer and put a complete 90 minutes together. If we do that, we will have a chance to be in every game," said Head Coach Daryl Shore.
The Blues will be sporting Ft. Lauderdale Strikers uniforms while the Rhinos will be wearing Rochester Lancers jerseys. In 1970, the Lancers played against the Washington Darts for the NASL championship. The Darts eventually moved to South Florida and eventually became the Strikers.
This game will be the second and final match between the two clubs this season after the Blues and Rhinos fought to a 1-1 draw in the season opener at Lockhart Stadium on April 10.
After the conclusion of this match and the one more road game against AC St. Louis, Miami FC returns home to face the Montreal Impact on Sept. 11.
SCOUTING ROCHESTER
The Rhinos have been a team on a hot streak, extending their winning streak to five games with a 2-0 shutout victory against Crystal Palace Baltimore on Aug. 18.
After a scoreless first half, Rochester took the lead in the 78th minute when a shot taken by Andrew Hoxie deflected off a Baltimore defender and went into the net to give the Rhinos a one-goal advantage. Adam West sealed the game with a stoppage time goal for the Rhinos.
Rochester has proven to be one of more well-rounded teams in the league, having scored the third-most goals in league play this season with 29 while allowing the second-fewest goals (17).
Isaac Kissi leads the team with five goals, but the Rhinos have a balanced scoring attack with 12 players on the roster who have scored at least a goal so far this season.
LAST TIME OUT
Miami FC suffered a tough 2-1 loss on the road to the Carolina Railhawks at WakeMed Park on Aug. 18, handing the Blues their first loss this month.
After a scoreless first half, Paulo Jr. knocked in a rebound after the Carolina goalkeeper made a terrific save on a shot by Danilo Martins from the edge of the box. Paulo Jr. stormed in for the rebound and his shot bounced off the post and then off the goalkeeper before bouncing into the back of the net, giving Miami FC a 1-0 lead in the 49th minute.
But in the 71st minute, the Railhawks broke through when Greg Shields delivered a perfect cross inside the box to Gregory Richardson, who executed a diving header to tie the game 1-1.
Just three minutes later, Carolina struck again when Etienne Barbara one-timed a ball past Patterson to give the Railhawks a late 2-1 lead in the 74th minute, which ended up being the game-winning goal.
ROAD SURGE
Brian Shriver and Abe Thompson have emerged as playmakers for the Blues on the road this season and are looking to continue their success on the team's three-game stint away from home. They join Paulo Jr. and Christian Gomez as the team's biggest offensive threats this season.
Paulo Jr. has continued to climb the league leader boards with a team-high eight goals on the season and is fourth in the league in that category while Gomez has four goals as they continue to prove that they are one of the top dual-threats in the league.
Gomez is also has 11 points this year thanks to his three assists this season. Paulo Jr. has 20 points and is third in league play in that category.
Shriver, meanwhile, tied Christian Gomez's goal total last week with his fourth goal of the season against Baltimore. Three of Shriver's goals have been on the road.
Thompson scored the tying goal against Islanders on Aug. 7 which brought his goal total up to three this season.
QUICKLY CONTRIBUTING
It didn't take long for Miami FC's newest roster additions to make an immediate impact for the Blues.
In their home debuts, Danilo Martins and Chuckwudi "Chucky" Chijindu each scored goals to help the Blues earn an important draw against the Rowdies on Aug. 14. Hohlbein has also been a rock in the backfield for Miami FC, earning considerable playing time in his time with the team.
Chijindu was sent on loan from Chivas USA along with Gerson Mayé(c)n Chuckwudi Chijindu while Hohlbein was sent on loan from the Kansas City Wizards. They joined Traffic Sports product Danilo to help the Blues move into position for a playoff push.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from August 20, 2010
- Timbers Face NSC Minnesota on the Road Saturday - Portland Timbers
- Miami FC Takes on the Rochester Rhinos as They Relive the Legacy of the NASL - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Impact Faces Baltimore Crystal Palace Saturday - Montreal Impact
- Aztex Look to Bounce Back Against Carolina - Austin Aztex
- RailHawks Travel to Austin This Sunday - North Carolina FC
- Game Against Barracuda FC of Antigua Cancelled - Montreal Impact
- RailHawks to Play Pumas Morelos on September 5 - North Carolina FC
- Rhinos Match/Lancers Reunion Tomorrow Night - Jersey Auction - Rochester Rhinos
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