USL Rochester Rhinos

Rhinos Begin Training for 2014 Season

Published on March 3, 2014 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


The Rochester Rhinos launched the 2014 preseason with a training session on Monday at Total Sports Experience. Practice went from 11am-1pm and included drills and 11-on-11 scrimmaging.

Coach Bob Lilley said "The intensity was high". He went on to say "We will look for those players that have an edge, hate to lose, and they're going to show up every day and get the job done. I want us to be more dynamic, I know they struggled to score goals (last year). We want players that understand how to play off of each other."

One position that will be of emphasis for the Rhinos is center back. USL Pro veteran Kyle Hoffer is the only center back under contract currently. Justin Clark is a center back and comes to the Rhinos from Orlando City. Kevin Cope is a rookie from Michigan State University who was drafted by the Philadelphia Union (MLS) and recently released. Jordan Thomas is a center back who played youth ball with the PA Classics club. Lilley coached this club previously and identified him at Sahlen's Sports Park in February at the Combine.

Lilley is hoping to fill out the roster and have the depth that was needed so badly last year. He said "We need to have the quality within our roster because there are always injuries. Like last year, there were tons of injuries and we need to have the depth so that we can win games, whether we're home on the road or whatever time during the season".

This training session also was Rhinos goalkeeper John McCarthy's beginning of his professional journey. He comes to the Rhinos after playing in the PDL with Reading United and from La Salle University. McCarthy said "I'm really excited to be here. It's a great opportunity and I think we've got a great group of guys here who are ready to go." What did he have to say to the fans? "Get ready for a great season".

The Rochester Rhinos have a training session Tuesday, March 4th at 9:30am at Sahlen's Stadium. Their first preseason game is on Friday, March 7th at 3PM against Syracuse University (NCAA) at Sahlen's stadium. The second preseason game is against Binghamton University on Sunday, March 9 th at 3pm at Sahlen's Stadium.

Rochester Rhinos season tickets, flex packages and group ticket sales are currently available, and they can be purchased by calling (585)454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or by visiting ticketmaster.com.

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