USL Rochester Rhinos

Preseason Schedule Released

Published on February 20, 2014 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


ROCHESTER, NY - The Rochester Rhinos begin preseason for their 19th professional season on Monday, March 3rd at 9:30AM in Sahlen's Stadium. Rhinos head coach Bob Lilley has scheduled seven preseason matches to prepare his side for the 2014 USL PRO season. Three of the seven matches will be played against professional opponents - a stark contrast to the Rhinos preseason schedule of late that was heavy on collegiate opponents in their spring schedule.

The Rochester Rhinos will travel to Pittsburgh on Sunday, March 16th for their annual preseason match with the Riverhounds in Highmark Stadium at 3PM . On Friday, March 21st the Rhinos will host the expansion NASL side Ottawa Fury FC in Sahlen's Stadium at 1PM . On Saturday, March 29th at 1PM the Rhinos will host a club from the Montreal Impact (MLS) in Sahlen's Stadium.

"Preseason is changing as our league begins to draw more in line with Major League Soccer's calendar." Lilley said. "Teams in our league are starting to train earlier than ever, and they are playing against better competition like NASL and MLS sides who are preparing for the start of their season as well. We identified the need to play against better competition in our preseason schedule, and have designed a schedule to address this need."

The Rochester Rhinos will still play four preseason matches against collegiate competition this spring. The Rhinos will host Syracuse University at 3PM on Friday, March 7th to open their preseason schedule. Two days later Rochester will host Binghamton University on Sunday, March 9th at 2PM. Niagara University will visit Sahlen's Stadium to play the host Rhinos on Friday, March 14th at 6PM. The Rhinos will host Cornell University on Sunday, March 23rd at 4PM.

All six Rochester Rhinos preseason matches at Sahlen's Stadium are open to the public and admission is free. The MVP box office at Sahlen's Stadium will also be open during every home preseason contest, and Rochester Rhinos season tickets and flex packages will be available for purchase.

 

Rochester Rhinos Preseason Schedule

 

Day Date Time Opponent Location

Friday March 7th 3PM Syracuse University (NCAA) Sahlen's Stadium

Sunday March 9th 2PM Binghamton University (NCAA) Sahlen's Stadium

Friday March 14th 6PM Niagara University (NCAA) Sahlen's Stadium

Sunday March 16th 3PM Pittsburgh Riverhounds

(USL PRO) Highmark Stadium

Friday March 21st 1PM Ottawa Fury FC (NASL) Sahlen's Stadium

Sunday March 23rd 4PM Cornell University (NCAA) Sahlen's Stadium

Saturday March 29th 1PM Montreal Impact (MLS) Sahlen's Stadium

 

In 2012 and 2013 former Rhinos head coach Jesse Myers had his roster in place at the start of preseason. As a result much of his preseason focus was on organizing his team and preparing them for the upcoming season. This season Lilley is expected to enter training camp with around a dozen players under contract, so he will be evaluating trialists and signing new players while he finishes constructing the Rhinos roster. Lilley returned to the Rhinos last fall after a two year hiatus, and he has been charged with rebuilding the Rhinos after the club missed the playoffs for the first time in franchise history last season.

Lilley has retained fifth year midfielder Tyler Rosenlund, fourth year winger JC Banks, second year striker Matt Luzunaris, and second year midfielder Lance Rozeboom from last year's roster. The Rhinos have announced the signing of USL PRO veteran center back Kyle Hoffer, and newcomers Ayao Sossou, Onua Thomas Obasi, and Samuel Petrone.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United Soccer League Championship Stories from February 20, 2014


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