USL-1 Rochester Rhinos

Rhinos Begin 2009 Training Camp

Published on March 18, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


(Rochester, NY)... The Rochester Rhinos officially open their 2009 training camp tomorrow with practice at Rhinos Stadium set for a 9:30am start. Entering his second year as the team's head coach, former Rhinos player Darren Tilley is anxious to get on with the job.

"The start of a new season can never come quick enough," said Tilley. "I, along with the players and everyone at the club want to get underway as soon as possible. The returning players seem very fit and focused, and it's great to see such intensity as we get underway." Players began reporting to Rochester in late February, and Tilley will have all but one of his contracted players available for the first official day of practice. The absent player is new signing Tai Atieno, who is currently in Africa preparing to play for Kenya in a World Cup qualifier on March 28th.

Tilley and Rhinos President/GM Matthew Ford have been building the roster in the off season and with four additional players expected to be signed in the coming weeks, competition for places is tighter than ever.

"We're looking at some very exciting players that can make an impact in this league," said Ford. "We've seen some tremendous talent during some unofficial work-outs over the last two weeks and there will be 30 additional guys on display this weekend that want a place on our roster. It's a good problem for us to have."

The invitation-only combine begins Friday morning at 10am at Rhinos Stadium. The combine will feature 30-35 players from the United States, Canada, France, Cuba, and the United Kingdom. A complete roster will be available for the media at the combine. All applicants were hand selected by the Rochester Rhinos coaching staff.

On Saturday March 21st, Rhinos head coach Darren Tilley is expected to field a mixed roster of Rhinos and combine players as the Rhinos take on the Cleveland City Stars at 3pm in their first pre- season game of 2009. Admission to all preseason games at Rhinos Stadium will be free of charge and open to the general public. All attendees should enter at Gate D for entrance into the stadium. Parking will be free for all who attend in the Club Lot of Rhinos Stadium. Gates will open an hour prior to each game's kickoff.

The Rhinos will begin their 14th season on the road in Cary, North Carolina on Saturday, April

18th, as they take on the Carolina Railhawks at WakeMed Soccer Park. Rochester opens its 2009 home slate at Rochester Rhinos Stadium on Saturday, May 30th, against Montreal.

Rhinos' Pre-Season Game Schedule (Subject to Change)

Date Time Opponent Venue

Sat, March 21st 3:00pm vs. Cleveland City Stars (USL 1) Rhinos Stadium

Wed, March 25th 5:00pm vs. University of Rochester Rhinos Stadium

Sat, March 28th 4:00pm vs. CSL Italia Shooters Rhinos Stadium

Wed, April 1st 7:30pm @ University of Maryland U. of Maryland

Fri, April 3rd 7:00pm @ Crystal Palace (USL 2) UMBC

Sun, April 5th 1:00pm @ Real Maryland (USL 2) MD Soccerplex

Thur, April 9th 7:00pm @ St. Bonaventure Corning, TBD

Tue, April 14th 5:00pm vs. University of Buffalo Rhinos Stadium

Rhinos Pre-Season Practice and Combine Schedule (Week 1)

Thursday, March 19th

9:30 AM:        Rhinos practice @ Rhinos Stadium until 11:30am

3:00 PM:        Rhinos practice @ Rhinos Stadium until 5:00pm

Friday, March 20th

10:00AM:         Combine Scrimmage @ Rhinos Stadium

2:30 PM:        Combine Practice until 4:00pm

4:30 PM: Combine Practice until 6:00pm

Saturday March 21st

9:00AM:         Combine Practice until 11:00am

3:00PM:         Rhinos vs. Cleveland City Stars

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



USL First Division Stories from March 18, 2009


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