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USSF D-2 Minnesota United FC

Minnesota Stars play Rochester Rhinos to a 0-0 draw

June 4, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Defense was the name of the game as the Minnesota Stars and Rochester Rhinos played to a 0-0 draw in Rochester, N.Y. Friday.

Rochester dominated possession throughout the game but Minnesota defenders and goalkeeper Joseph Warren were able to steer away the Rhino's best scoring opportunities.

The Stars pick up its fourth point in two games and seemed content to trade offensive attack for defensive numbers. Minnesota got most of its chances off of counter attacks fueled by defensive takeaways, but despite Rochester's possession advantage it was never able to capitalize with a goal.

Chances were few and far between in the first half as both teams played solid defense. Rochester controlled possession for the majority of the half, but were only able to turn it into three shots.

Easily the best chance of the game came for the Rhinos in the 10th minute, when a corner kick went long through the box but was touched on at the top of the box to Tyler Rosenlund. Rosenlund had to take an extra step to his right to avoid a Rhino attacker, but he was able to let loose with a rocket shot that beat Warren to his left. The crossbar had Warren's back though and the ball hit the upper post squarely, knocking it back into the box for a Stars' defender to clear.

Rochester was able to keep pressure on Minnesota's defenders, forcing them into some dangerous passes in its own zone but not again heavily testing Warren. Warren was aggressive coming off his line to play balls out of the box and a couple more Rhino attacks were stopped before they were converted into shots.

Minnesota was able to use some counter attack to propel its offense, but never posed a serious threat in the first half. Rhino defenders did a good job of running off Stars' attackers when Minnesota was able to put balls through into the box, and the only shot Minnesota got off in the first half was in the 3rd minute when Johnny Menyongar broke free for a tough-angled shot that went wide.

Rochester came out hard in the second half as it increased the speed of play and had Minnesota on its heels in the opening minutes. Aaron Pitchkolan was able to work his way free and let loose with a strong shot from 30 yards out, but Warren got a good break on the ball and was able to tip it over the net.

Continued pressure found the Rhinos being awarded with quality crosses and some decent looks off corner kicks, but Stars defenders were up to the task at every turn and did a good job stacking the box with bodies.

A big stand came from Minnesota in the 82nd minute as defenders were able to steer away two shots from inside the box and not let the shots through to Warren. Rochester continued to press for the game winner in the closing minutes, which created an opportunity for a long strike for Brian Cvilikas but his shot rose over the Rhino net.

The Stars took no chances in extra time as it kept plenty of players back and kept clear any last minute heroics for the hometown Rhinos.

Minnesota's next game is at 7 p.m. June 9 at the National Sports Center against the Montreal Impact.

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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from June 4, 2010


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